By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, August 2, Mana: District Nutrition Officer for Mzimba, Gift Simukonda has challenged communities in the district to be practicing diversified diets for good healthy and reduce stunting which emanates from malnutrition.

He was speaking on Tuesday during a visit to some households at Manyamula in the district to appreciate nutrition promotion initiatives as the district prepares for a nutrition open day to be held in the district this month.

Simukonda said that he observed that most households have vegetable gardens, livestock such as goats and pigs and chickens.

He advised the people that apart from indulging in animal husbandry and poultry for sell, they should consume animal meat and vegetables for healthy living.

‘‘We always advise you to grow diversified crops besides rearing livestock and not all should be sold away. You should store some for your balanced diet consumption for good nutrition,’’ Simukonda said.

Group Village Head Kawimbo under Paramount Chief M’mbelwa said he in collaboration with some traditional leaders advise his subjects on the advantages of consuming balanced diets.

‘‘I always tell people in this area that as they sale, they should keep some for themselves,’’ he said.

A recent survey conducted by Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources indicated that malnutrition and stunting levels is at 39 percent exceeding national level which is at 35 percent.