The government through the Ministry of Health and in collaboration with UNICEF and National Planning Commission has launched the First Foods Africa Initiative, a bold step aimed at tackling child food poverty and stunting through a multisectoral approach that engages the private sector and development partners.
Speaking during the launch in Lilongwe, Deputy Minister of Health, Noah Chimpeni, said the initiative focuses on improving the quality of food consumed by children during their first six months a critical period for growth and development.
“As a country, we continue to face the challenge of stunted growth among children. This initiative will help reduce that burden by ensuring nutritious foods are available and accessible. It’s not just the responsibility of the Ministry of Health, but also Trade and Agriculture. We are calling on the private sector to play their part by producing child-friendly, nutrient-dense foods,” said Chimpeni.
The Deputy Minister further said that unlike previous interventions, the new approach offers financial support to food producers through low-interest loans, which he believes will incentivise manufacturers to prioritise child nutrition.
In her remarks, UNICEF Chief of Nutrition, Charity Zvandaziva, noted that food systems have failed children across the continent, with many children consuming unhealthy and non-nutritious food due to poor food environments and limited awareness.
“The First Foods Africa Initiative goes beyond governments. It engages the private sector and communities to promote healthy, affordable and accessible foods. We’re also focusing on behaviour change, urging families to prioritise feeding their children the nutritious foods they grow themselves,” said Zvandaziva.
Zvandaziva added that the initiative supports food preservation training, allowing communities to store seasonal foods such as mangoes for use year-round.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry also expressed commitment to the cause. Director of Industry, Clement Phangaphanga, said the initiative builds on past successes such as the National Fortification Alliance, which promoted vitamin A fortification in food products like sugar, edible oils and wheat flour.
“We now want to take it further by encouraging foods fortified with other essential micronutrients, such as zinc, which remains low in many food items currently available,” said Phangaphanga.
Phangaphanga acknowledged the challenge of high food prices but emphasised ongoing community-level interventions that promote locally processed, affordable foods.
The two-day workshop, held under the theme: ‘Localising Food Solutions for Addressing Child Food Poverty in Malawi,’ brought together representatives from government institutions, the private sector, development agencies and academia. Malawi joins 12 other African countries participating in the initiative, including Ethiopia, Kenya and Zambia.
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