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Afikepo Project reduces malnutrition in Salima

Salima district acting principal nutrition and HIV and Aids officer Joana Chitaya has commended Afikepo Nutrition Project for fighting stunting in the district.

Speaking during food processing demonstrations yesterday at Traditional Authority Kambwiri, the official said the district was not doing well in the fight against malnutrition.

“As a sector, we lack resources to implement such interventions. That is why we commend partners for their support,” said Chitaya.

She also said community members do not know how to process their food to enhance nutrition value.

Women display their processed food during the event

“That is why as a government sector we are trying to equip them with food processing skills through cooking demonstrations,” said Chitaya.

On her part, Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Salima district manager Rabecca Kadazi, whose organisation is implementing the Afikepo Project, said they wanted to improve nutrition status among people in the district.

She said: “There are many factors that contribute to malnutrition, including lack of knowledge, skills and capacity to utilise the available resources.

“Afikepo Project seeks to enhance nutrition security. So, we have several interventions to improve diets at household level.”

A community member Anne Chimphonda commended the food processing lessons.

“I have learned that we can make nutritious food using locally available resources,” she said.

With funding from Unicef, FAO Malawi is supporting different nutrition activities in the district.

According to a 2017 Malawi Demographic Health Survey, the country’s stunting level is at 37 percent.

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