Rufunsa District Commissioner Richard Mabena has expressed gratitude to cooperating partners for supplementing government’s efforts in enhancing the nutrition status for children under the age of five.
Mr Mabena made these remarks when he officiated at the under five feeding programme, where United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) donated nutrition food items to under five children.
ZANIS reports that Mr Mabena said that the government appreciates the support it is receiving from stakeholders in mitigating the effects of the 2023/2024 dry spell.
“I want to commend our cooperating partners that have come on board to compliment on our efforts to mitigate the impact of the last farming season “, said Mr Mabena.
He said that following the drought experienced in the last farming season, some stakeholders such as World vision and UNICEF have come on board to supplement government efforts by donating food supplements to under five children in order to prevent malnutrition.
“lam very happy that some private sectors such as UNICEF and World Vision have continued to help our District which was badly hit by the drought in the last farming season,” added the District Commissioner.
Mr. Mabena further called on the mothers to take advantage of such programmes to ensure that children were well fed.
He also urged other well wishers to emulate World vision and UNICEF.
And District Nutrition Coordinator, Florence Kabwe also thanked UNICEF and World Vision Zambia for the timely support to the district.
Ms. Kabwe said that the drought experienced in the last farming season left most households vulnerable to food insecurity at household level.
She said that her office was aware of the high malnutrition levels amongst the under five children in the district and that government will ensure that malnutrition is minimized.
“Government working with other cooperating partners is doing everything possible to ensure that food is brought closer to the household. Said Ms. Kabwe.
She urged the mothers to ensure that other food supplement is given to the children for their wellbeing.
“Do not feel lazy to add supplements to any kind of foods you prepare for your babies as these supplements help children to be healthy “, added Ms Kabwe
And beneficiaries were happy with the gesture.
Speaking on behalf of the mothers, Justina Chilala thanked the government and its cooperating partners for the timely donation of the food supplements.
“We want to thank the government and it’s partners for the timely gesture,” said Ms Chilala.
