The Policy will fall directly under the ministry’s Food and Nutrition Council.
A document in our possession says this policy was mooted because the country is staring at a very serious nutrition situation. It is estimated that the country needs more than $14 million for malnourished children and women in rural communities.
The cash-strapped government of President Robert Mugabe, went cap-in-hand to the donor community recently, asking for a total of $13 912 500.
So far it has received only $1 998 322 – about 14 percent of the total requirement. The cash is supposed to benefit 4,95 million children and women.
According to the document in our possession, there are 3 248 000 women of reproductive age and 1 706 000 children under five who are malnourished.
"Rates of chronic malnutrition are on the rise, while rates of acute malnutrition appear relatively stable. A sudden deterioration in the food security or health situation could lead to elevated prevalence of acute malnutrition" says the document.
Of particular concern at this time are reports of significant crop losses in Masvingo, Manicaland, Matabeleland South, and Midlands Provinces – the lean season is likely to set in earlier than usual in these areas.
"While one Cluster Partner is reporting increased admissions for acute malnutrition in parts of these provinces, these reports have not been validated," the document says. The FNC has circulated a draft of the Policy for comment from cabinet.
"This policy will serve as the foundation for co-ordination of cross border and cross-sector food and nutrition analysis and action moving forward. It should be endorsed by Cabinet soon. It also provides a framework for development of sector specific strategies and work plans. Work is beginning on a three-year nutrition strategy for the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare. Both will be costed and completed by the close of the year," says the document.
Under the lead partner UNICEF, many donors are working hard to manage Zimbabwe's poor nutrition levels. They include Action Aid, CARE, the Clinton Foundation, French Embassy, Global Heritage, Goal, Kapnek Trust, Linkage Trust, USAid, World Food Programme, World Health Organisation, World Vision, Tree Africa and MSF Holland.
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