Access to Health Zambia (AHZ) through it’s Improving Nutrition and Safe Feeding Practices program has revealed that children with disabilities in Zambia are facing high rates of malnutrition.
The Organization says this includes those who are underweight representing 63.1%, stunting 68.1%,wasting 22.6%, anaemia 60.5% and 98.3% of those with risk of feeding difficulties.
The research data also indicates that children in residential care have high rates of underweight, representing 22.4%, stunting 28%, wasting 7.1% and anaemia 58.3%.
“The risk for undernutrition among children in residentials care is generally higher for younger children and children with disabilities,” the research report further indicates.
And Speaking during the event on improving Feeding and Nutrition for Children with Disabilities and Children without Family Care in Lusaka today, AHZ Country Executive Director, Batuke Mwewa, has commended the SPOON Foundation and other stakeholders including government through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and the Ministry of Health for the collective efforts to improve the nutritional wellbeing of children.
Mrs. Mwewa has since urged all those advocating for inclusive practices in supporting the well being of children through nutritional improvement programs to continue with the efforts.
Margaret Mwanza
