High malnutrition rates worry Nganate

Omaheke regional governor Pijoo Nganate is deeply concerned by alarming malnutrition rates, indicating the need for greater awareness and action around maternal and early childhood nutrition.This comes at a time when high malnutrition levels in the country continue to persist, with stunting levels among children under the age of five standing at 24%.According to the 2022 Global Hunger Index, Namibia suffers from serious hunger levels, ranking 78th out of 116 countries.Nganate expressed his concerns in a speech read on his behalf by Otjinene constituency councillor Ervin Katjizeu during the launch of the 1000 Days Campaign, which is aimed at enabling better complementary feeding practices through participatory cooking demonstrations for community health workers, pregnant and breastfeeding women and people living with HIV/Aids.Shared responsibilityIt is imperative to acknowledge that no single entity can combat this multifaceted issue in isolation, the governor said.“Collaboration is the bedrock upon which our success stands. Therefore, our interventions must be collective, holistic and comprehensive. It is incumbent upon us to equip our pregnant and breastfeeding women, along with community health workers, with the knowledge and tools to prepare healthy and nutritious meals for children under five, integrating our rich indigenous foods,” he stressed.Nganate said education and awareness campaigns should be launched to empower individuals to make informed choices about their nutrition.He said encouraging the consumption of local, seasonal and traditional foods can not only enhance food security but also preserve cultural heritage.“I cannot emphasise enough the importance of our intervention. Better nutrition is not only our shared responsibility but also a national priority. It is reflected in the national development plans and the food and nutrition security policy. It is our duty to ensure that awareness of the importance of good nutrition reaches every corner of our society. I implore all of you to help spread these crucial nutritional messages far and wide,” he said.Crucial first days Meanwhile, speaking at the same occasion, World Food Programme policy officer Ndaindila Haindongo said the campaign marks a crucial milestone in the UN’s efforts to support the government to increase nutritional awareness and combat food and nutrition security in Namibia.“Similar to the RightStart Campaign, the 1000 Days Campaign aims to raise awareness on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, better complementary feeding and the consumption of healthy and nutritious foods. This year’s campaign also seeks to empower the targeted communities to set up backyard gardens through the provision of agricultural inputs,” she said.The significance of the first 1 000 days cannot be overstated, Haindongo said, adding that they encapsulate a period of unparalleled opportunity and vulnerability, where the foundation for a healthy and prosperous life is laid.

High malnutrition rates worry Nganate

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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High malnutrition rates worry Nganate

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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