A complex combination of socioeconomic, political, and environmental factors contributes to high rates of childhood malnutrition in Zimbabwe.
Development Diaries reports that 23.5 percent, or over half a million, of Zimbabwean children are stunted (chronically malnourished) and do not grow and develop to their full potential, according to data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
According to UNICEF, the nutrition situation for children and their mothers in Zimbabwe is of grave concern.
The impact of malnutrition on children in Zimbabwe is evident in the alarming rates of stunted growth, micronutrient deficiencies, and increased vulnerability to diseases. Chronic malnutrition not only hampers physical development but also has lasting effects on cognitive abilities, impacting a child’s ability to learn and succeed in the long run.
In coming up with sustainable efforts to tackle this problem, World Vision Zimbabwe says it has trained community health workers in Mudzi on integrated active screening.
This training involves screening for malnutrition in the community in response to the high rates of malnutrition among children. They were also taught how to improve feeding practices for infants.
Community health workers in Mudzi received training on integrated active screening, which involves screening for malnutrition in the community in response to the high rates of malnutrition among children. They were also taught how to improve feeding practices for infants. pic.twitter.com/I7ov7pYFMc
— World Vision Zimbabwe (@WorldVisionZim) January 22, 2024
Efforts to address malnutrition in Zimbabwe must encompass improvements in agricultural practices, access to clean water, health care services, and social safety nets.
Additionally, fostering political stability and economic development is essential to creating an environment where families can access the resources necessary for nourishing their children and securing a brighter future for the generations to come.
Photo source: World Vision
