By Andrew Gondwe

Chitipa, August 29, Mana: Principal Nutrition and HIV/AIDS Officer (PNHAO) for Chitipa, Martins Mkandawire says coordination among stakeholders is one of the factors that is ensuring smooth implementation of nutrition interventions in the district.

Mkandawire was speaking on Tuesday when District Nutrition Coordination Committee (DNCC) members from Mzimba North visited their counterparts in Chitipa to learn from them and share experiences on implementation of nutrition interventions.

Mkandawire said Chitipa DNCC encourages team work among stakeholders in nutrition, saying that was the reason why the district was recently named as third best district in the country on implementation of nutrition activities under AFIKEPO project. 

“As DNCC, we don’t allow any partner to work in isolation. We encourage every stakeholder to fully participate in all nutrition activities taking place in the district to ensure sustainability.

“Every partner brings a work plan which has to be normalised in the reporting systems of DNCC.  This helps to know which partner is implementing what activities in which Traditional Authority,” Mkandawire said.

District Manager for Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Chitipa, Dr. Edwin Siyame commended Chitipa DNCC for actively involving Area Development Committees (ADCs) and Village Development Committees (VDCs) in nutrition activities, saying it ensures promotion of good nutrition practices at grassroots level.

"Adolescent groups are also involved through their schools by School Health and Nutrition teachers. These teachers assist learners to establish orchard gardens in the schools. This will promote sustainability of nutrition promotion activities in the district,” said Dr Siyame.

PNHAO for Mzimba north Dorica Bambe, said Mzimba North DNCC was motivated with success stories they learnt from Chitipa DNCC.

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