HARARE - Nutritionists say remedial nutrition programmes must target children in their first three years or so. Without adequate nutrition a child can fail to thrive, affecting early development, encouraging disease and eventually reducing abilities in adulthood.
The World Food Programme HIV/AIDS and other regional organizations are putting together nutritional supplement packages to relieve the malnutrition crisis affecting one in three Zimbabwean children. A new study by the United Nations Childrens Fund and the country’s public health authorities urged action to help vulnerable women as well as children.
UNICEF says Zimbabwe’s malnutrition rates are similar to those of other countries in the region but have climbed sharply since 1994 to reach nearly 40 percent. Christian Care, a leading WFP distribution partner in Zimbabwe, says the suspension of supplementary feeding schemes could increase malnutrition.
Christian Care Director Forbes Matonga said the programme was abruptly halted two years ago, leaving children far more vulnerable in times of food shortages like those looming in several Zimbabwean provinces due to drought and rising costs which have put basic foodstuffs out of reach for many households.
Post published in: News