By Jones Gadama
M’mbelwa District Council has welcomed a new project aimed at improving nutrition and health outcomes for local communities, particularly expectant women, mothers, and under-five children.
The project, titled “Model Project for Sustainable Health Group Nutrition Activities by Local Communities,” is being implemented by the International Support and Partnership for Health (ISAPH) in three areas of Mzimba District: Endindeni, Chikangawa, and Katete.
Gift Simkonda, Nutrition Officer for M’mbelwa District Council, expressed gratitude to ISAPH for introducing the project, which will run from April this year to 2028. Simkonda said the project will strengthen nutrition response and improve health outcomes for local communities.
“We are thrilled to partner with ISAPH on this project, which will help address the nutritional needs of our communities, particularly vulnerable groups such as expectant women, mothers, and under-five children,” Simkonda said.
The project is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the tune of K783.7 million.
According to Sakuma Yamamoto, ISAPH Country Director, the project aims to work with local communities to create sustainable food systems that promote healthy diets and reduce malnutrition.
“Our goal is to empower local communities to take ownership of their nutrition and health, and to create sustainable systems that will benefit them for years to come,” Yamamoto said.
John Banda, ISAPH Senior Field Coordinator, said the three-year project will help reduce stunted growth in pregnant women, mothers, and children under five.
“We believe that every child deserves a healthy start in life, and that nutrition plays a critical role in achieving this goal,” Banda said, adding that, “Our project will work with local communities to promote healthy diets and reduce malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups.”
The project will target areas under traditional authorities Chindi, Kampingo Sibande, and Mabilabo.
Local communities will be empowered to take ownership of their nutrition and health through sustainable food systems and health group nutrition activities.
The introduction of this project comes as a welcome relief to the district, which has been grappling with nutrition challenges, particularly among under-five children and expectant mothers.
With the support of ISAPH and JICA, Mzimba District is poised to make significant strides in improving nutrition and health outcomes for its communities.
As the project kicks off, local communities are eagerly awaiting the benefits it will bring.
“We are excited about the potential of this project to improve the health and well-being of our communities,” said a local resident,b adding that,,”We look forward to working with ISAPH and JICA to make this project a success.”
