Weighing In!

In our previous blogs we have been privileged to explain some aspects of the World Renew/CFGB food project taking place in Eastern Province, Zambia. We have shared one example of conservation farming (fertility ditches) which serves to grow more abundant food, one example of an income generating activity (gardening) that can be used to buy food, and even an example of good ways to prepare food. This week we want to share another significant area addressed in this project: the direct relationship between food security and health.

Group Class

According to a 2013 UNICEF report, the stunting prevalence among children under 5 years of age in Zambia is 45% (Percentage of children who are below the height-for-age standard of the World Health Organization). The levels of stunting (see definition below) in Zambia are some of the highest in Africa. This high level of child malnutrition is attributed to a combination of the low nutritional value of available foods and the impact of HIV/AIDS.

The link between HIV/AIDS and food security is seen in Zambia where the number of orphans is rising. Culturally, relatives or neighbors “adopt” orphaned children into their households. This raises the household sizes and in turn exacerbates the food insecurity of many Zambian families.

Along with the lack of sufficient food there is a lack of knowledge on what constitutes good nutrition and how to prevent disease. In this World Renew project, admistered by the Reformed Church of Zambia Diaconia Department (RCZDD), volunteer Community Health Workers (CHWs) are selected from the communities and are sent on a 6 week training course with the Ministry of Health. Upon completion of the course, each CHW is provided with a weigh scale and a harness. Each month, women bring their children under five years of age for a weigh in. (UNDER FIVE program) The weight is carefully documented on a growth chart to determine if the children are growing well and appropriate measures are taken for those who are not.

Growth Chart

Monthly Weigh-In

At each of these monthly weigh-in sessions, the CHWs provide training on subjects like HIV/AIDS and disease prevention, sanitation, hygiene and the importance of nutrition. Also, high protein seeds are distributed, high-energy crops are promoted and don’t forget those cooking classes! You may enjoy viewing some of their teaching aids!

Teaching Aid

“Weighing in” on the success of the project, after two and a half years, there has been an eleven per cent reduction in the incidence of disease reported by beneficiaries, 44 classes have been held, 569 households have attended these classes, and 1,798 children have been monitored in the ‘under five’ program.  Another blessing resulting from this project is that each volunteer Community Health Worker will continue to be a great resource to the surrounding villages long after the project is finished.

Way to weigh in!