By Austine Kachilika

Mzimba, September 1, Mana: Deputy Director for Food and Nutrition in the Department of Agricultural Extension Services under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Sylvia Mapanje has appealed to men in Mzimba District to ensure that their families consume all six food groups as one way of fighting against malnutrition.

Mapanje made the appeal on Thursday during the launch of the National Nutritional campaign that was held under the theme ‘Dietary diversification: a key to a healthy population.’

“It is saddening to see that men can consume all food groups mostly meat products in their daily endeavours whereas their families lack such nutritional diets. Men should ensure that their families consume food groups such as meat, fruits, legumes, carbohydrates, vegetables and fats and oils for the betterment of their loved ones,” she said.

In his remarks, Chairperson for M’mbelwa District Council, Morgan Tembo concurred with Mapanje on the need for joint efforts to fight malnutrition which affects 39 per cent of children in the district.

 “Animals should not just be kept for prestige. It is our responsibility to consume them with other food groups so that our bodies benefit from the nutrients found in all six food groups”.

Nutrition promoter from Group Village Head (GVH) Robert Mphande, Chimwemwe Masinji said the national nutrition campaign was an eye opener on the importance of backyard gardens, small and large livestock keeping, as well as hygiene and food security.