Chikwawa District, known for its frequent natural disasters, is grappling with a growing malnutrition crisis.
According to Feston Katundu, District Nutrition Officer for Chikwawa, climate change and recurring floods have severely compromised food security in the district.
“Chikwawa is one of the districts facing significant food insecurity, primarily due to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change,” Katundu said in an interview with MBC Digital.
A recent SMART survey revealed alarming statistics regarding the district’s nutritional status.
“The survey showed that 18 percent of children under five in Chikwawa are underweight, compared to the national average of 13 percent,” Katundu noted.
He further explained that 5 percent of children are experiencing wasting, a form of acute malnutrition, which exceeds the national average of 3 percent. Chronic malnutrition, measured by stunting, stands at 35 percent in Chikwawa, slightly above the national rate of 33 percent.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Malawi Government, in partnership with organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP), is working closely with the Ministry of Health to combat malnutrition.
“We have a programme called the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition. In this programme, children with acute malnutrition are treated based on the severity of their condition. Some are admitted, while others receive outpatient care,” Katundu explained.
He also highlighted that climate change remains a major driver of food insecurity in Chikwawa, negatively impacting agricultural production in the region.
“The harsh weather conditions in Chikwawa make it difficult for communities to produce sufficient food. Floods are a common occurrence, worsening the situation every year.”
The WFP is playing a key role in the district’s fight against malnutrition.
“The WFP provides Super Corn Soya Blend, a ready-to-use mixture of maize, soya, and milk, for malnourished children,” he added.
This intervention is already showing positive results. Regina Moses, from Traditional Authority Mlilima in the district, shared her story: “I came in August with my child, and after the diagnosis, the doctor said my child was suffering from acute malnutrition. After receiving the Super Corn Soya Blend, I’ve noticed significant improvement.”
Despite these efforts, Katundu cautioned that the fight against malnutrition in Chikwawa is far from over.
“While we are receiving support, the needs are vast, and resources are limited. The government is working to increase health education and provide essential medicines, but much more needs to be done, especially as climate change continues to affect food security.”
According to UNICEF, between January and June 2024, more than 1.2 million children under five were screened for acute malnutrition across 15 districts, including Chikwawa.
The effects of El Niño and other climatic shocks have left many households in Chikwawa without sufficient food, contributing to the rise in malnutrition cases. However, with continued support from development partners and the Malawi Government, there is hope to mitigate the long-term effects of malnutrition in the district.
#MBCDigital
#Manthu