Government has launched the National Food and Nutrition Policy aimed at achieving sustainable food and nutrition security in the country.
Speaking during the launch in Lusaka today, Health Minister Brian Chituwo stated that the policy will also incorporate nutrition issues into developmental programmes and provide for monitoring of all nutrition interventions.
Dr. Chituwo said the policy was timely because malnutrition remained the most public health problem and biggest contributor to child mortality which is a major challenge in attaining the Millennium Developing Goals on Child health.
He noted that addressing child health through nutritional security is a key health priority as stated in the’Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP).
Dr. Chituwo observed that according to the latest Demographic Health Survey, the current statistics for children aged below five years indicate that 28 percent are underweight, 5 percent are wasted and 47 percent are stunted.
He said the under-five malnutrition levels are still high and the country requires robust strategies through a multi sectoral approach to adequately address them.
He added that government will facilitate the implementation of the policy measures by creating an enabling socio-economic environment to ensure that the rights to adequate food and to be free from hunger and malnutrition are realized.
Dr. Chituwo also said his Ministry is spearheading the development of a degree programme in food and nutrition at the University of Zambia in a bid to have adequate trained staff.
He said the Ministry has established an office to address the double burden of under-nutrition and over-nutrition which results in obesity.
And Ministry of Education Director of planning and information Felix Phiri commended the Ministry of health for launching the policy saying his ministry will incorporate the policy in the curricular at all levels of learning .
Dr chituwo is aware of what the reality is? our nations resources are spent among a few individuals..the politicians. that is why we need to elect selfless individuals that are willing to sacrifice in deed and in word (kafupi). i pray that 2011 brings in a new breed of individuals that shall be willing to serve. we are tired of these greedy individuals that we have continued to elect into public office and yet do not give a damn about the welfare of others. zambians wake up…vote wisely.
search for quality leadership based on character and not tribe. vote wisely or die poor.