By Yamikani Yapuwa

Thyolo, June 27, Mana: Over 100, 000 adolescent girls will from September, 2024 start receiving Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablets under the Integrated IFA Supplementation programme by the Department of Nutrition and the Ministry of Health in Thyolo District.

Deputy Director for Nutrition in the Department of Nutrition, Kondwani Mpeniuwawa disclosed this Wednesday during a District Executive Committee (DEC) Department held together with Evidence for Action to introduce the programme.

“The target is 117, 532 adolescent girls. 67, 438 in school and 50, 094 out of school adolescent girls aged 10 to 19.

“We are doing this to ensure that we reduce the prevalence of anemia which leads to impaired physical and cognitive development in children," he said.

Mpeniuwawa said school health and nutrition (SHN) teachers and Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) would be administering the IFA to in school and out of school adolescent girls, respectively on a weekly basis for a three-year period.

“During school year, girls will consume tablets on a fixed day of the week under direct supervision of teachers. During vacation, HSAs will distribute tablets to adolescent girls in the community under their supervision.

“HSAs, on the other hand, will distribute IFA tablets on a weekly basis to out-of-school adolescent girls within their catchment area; HSAs will define a ‘fixed day’ based on what they choose is the best way to reach all out of school adolescent girls,” he added.

Thyolo District Council Principal Nutrition and HIV & Aids Officer, Kondwani Luwe hailed the programme, saying it was a significant step towards improving the nutritional status and overall well-being of the communities.

“Iron and folic acid deficiencies are prevalent and can lead to serious health issues such as anemia, particularly, among women and children.

“This programme will provide essential supplements to vulnerable groups, helping to reduce the incidence of anemia and related complications,” he said.

Luwe said the Council was committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the IFA programme through community outreach, education and regular monitoring.

“Our goal is to raise awareness about the importance of these nutrients and to encourage compliance with the supplementation regimen,” he said, adding: “By working together with healthcare providers and community leaders we aim to create a sustainable and impactful change in the health and well-being of our population.”

The integrated IFA supplementation programme will be implemented in seven districts of Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Nkhotakota, Nkhata Bay, Mzimba, Ntchisi and Mulanje for a period of three years with a possibility of increasing the number of districts in the future.