The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the nutritional status of women and children through the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods for Human Capital Project (GEWEL 2), with Chibombo and Monze districts leading the rollout of key nutrition interventions.
During the official opening of the Maternal, Adolescent, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MAIYCN) training in Chibombo, Assistant Director for Administration and Logistics, Mr. Goodson Kamanga, speaking on behalf of the Director of Public Health, Dr. Kakungu Simpungwe, emphasized the training as a milestone in building the capacity of health workers. The program focuses on optimal feeding practices, including exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, growth monitoring, and micronutrient supplementation for mothers and children.
Mr. Kamanga stated that the training will equip health workers with the knowledge and skills needed to support households in improving nutritional outcomes. He stressed that the Ministry of Health remains committed to ensuring women and children in Chibombo and Monze receive quality nutrition services.
Under the GEWEL 2 Project, the Ministry is implementing nutrition-specific interventions to address all forms of malnutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable populations. These interventions include Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women and Micronutrient Powders (MNPs) for children under two years.
Dr. Hendrix Yona, Chibombo District Director of Health Services, revealed that 30 health facilities are participating in the training. He highlighted Chibombo’s role as a pioneer district, noting the district’s readiness to deliver beyond expectations.
Project Coordinator Dr. Fwasa Singogo praised the Ministry of Health for its leadership and support of the World Bank-funded GEWEL 2 Project. He noted that the trained health staff will play a critical role in achieving the project’s nutrition objectives.
The MAIYCN trainings are conducted simultaneously in Chibombo and Monze districts, covering 30 health facilities in each district. Twenty-eight health care workers have been trained as Trainers of Trainers (ToTs). At the Primary Health Care level, 180 health care workers—90 in Chibombo and 90 in Monze—are undergoing training to strengthen nutrition service delivery at the community level. These initiatives aim to improve maternal and child nutrition, strengthen local health systems, and support Zambia’s broader health and human capital development agenda.