World Vision Zambia launches ENOUGH campaign to combat Child Hunger and Malnutrition
With child hunger and malnutrition rising to alarming levels, World Vision Zambia has officially launched its three-year ENOUGH Campaign, a bold initiative aimed at addressing these urgent issues and ensuring every Zambian child is visible, heard, and well-nourished.
The campaign was launched at a high-profile event in Lusaka, attended by Reuben Mtolo Phiri, Minister of Agriculture, who praised the initiative and underscored the dire need to prioritize child nutrition in the country.
Speaking when he officiated at the Launch, Mr. Phiri said Zambia is not immune to these critical issues that threaten the future of our most vulnerable population the children.
“Moreover, the recent El Niño phenomenon has aggravated our nutritional challenges, creating an unprecedented crisis.”He said.
The Minister has cited several barriers that families face, including limited access to nutritious food, poor dietary diversity, and inadequate nutrition education.
Mr. Phiri has since called the campaign a timely intervention and commended World Vision Zambia for stepping up.
“The campaign provides a vital platform to collaborate with dedicated partners who are equally committed to eradicating hunger and malnutrition, especially in the face of climate-induced adversities,” he added.
Speaking earlier, World Vision Zambia’s National Director, March Nosbach, has described the ENOUGH Campaign as a comprehensive response to the multifaceted causes of child hunger.
“Hunger is not just about empty stomachs it disrupts education, pushes families to desperation, and steals the future from our children,” Mr. Nosbach said. “Schools are losing students because children cannot concentrate or even attend classes when they are hungry.”
He has outlined key campaign strategies, including advocacy for school feeding programs, climate-smart agricultural training for farmers, and the promotion of locally grown, nutrient-dense foods.
Mr. Nosbach said the campaign will also focus on behavior change initiatives to empower caregivers with the knowledge and tools to make healthier food choices for their families.
A central tenet of the campaign is amplifying the voices of children, especially in policy and program design.
One of those voices belonged to 17-year-old Esther Mambo, who gave an impassioned speech on behalf of Zambia’s children.
“Access to quality, nutrient-dense food is a fundamental human right,” she declared. “We ask the Honourable Minister to help eradicate poverty and implement school feeding programs to ensure every child has a healthy meal daily.”
Esther’s powerful message drew attention to the lived experiences of children and the critical need for urgent, coordinated action.
Representing the World Vision Zambia Board of Directors, Pastor Benjamin Moyowambuya said the ENOUGH Campaign is a call to action to tackle the roots of child hunger and malnutrition.
“This campaign is about protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring that no child is left behind,” he stated.
The ENOUGH Campaign brings together government leaders, NGOs, community members, and children themselves in a united front to secure Zambia’s future.
With climate change, economic pressures, and social inequality exacerbating nutritional challenges, this campaign could not be more timely or more vital.
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