Ministry of Health Department of Nutrition deputy director Kondwani Mpeniuwawa has said they will provide a top-up to Social Cash Transfer Programme beneficiaries in Nsanje District to buy nutritious food for children.
The initiative, to run with support from United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), is targeting 241 000 children aged under two years. The beneficiaries will receive money for three months this year and get for three months again next year.
Speaking on Saturday at Phanga Primary School during the launch of the initiative, Mpeniuwawa said poor feeding practices for children were leading to stunting in the district.
He said: “Most parents provide staple foods with only sugar to their children instead of feeding them six food groups. This has resulted in stunted growth among children.
“That is why we will disburse cash to help parents to buy nutritious food for their children.”
Nsanje district director of health services Gilbert Chapweteka thanked government and Unicef for supporting children in the district.
In his remarks, Unicef’ social protection specialist George Juwawo said they are committed to reducing stunting in the district.
“We want to reach out to about 241 000 with the support. In the first three months, we will use K250 million, thanks to the Germany Government through KfW who are funding the initiative,” he said.
The 2024 National Demographic Health Survey shows that stunting prevalence rate among under-five children in Nsanje is at 40 percent against the national average of 38 percent
