Community Action for Sustainable Development Organisation-CASDO

HOPE IN A BOWL: FIGHT MALNUTRITION

Three-year-old Tamara from one of the Child-Based Care Centres (CBCCs) in Neno used to attend classes on an empty stomach. Like many children during the lean season, her energy would fade quickly, and learning became a struggle. Today, her story is changing, thanks to a lifesaving nutrition response bringing hope to thousands of children like her.

Community Action for Sustainable Development Organization (CASDO) recently joined hands with government and partners in a vital training aimed at protecting under-five children from malnutrition. The training brought together Child Protection Workers (CPWs), Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs), and caregivers ,those closest to children at community level equipping them with skills to detect, prevent, and respond to malnutrition early.

Organized by the Child Affairs Office under the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, with support from UNICEF, the training comes at a critical time when many families in Neno are struggling to provide adequate food due to the lean season.

Speaking during the training, Child Affairs Officer Charles Willo highlighted the urgency and impact of the intervention.

“We are targeting 243 CBCCs, reaching approximately 13,000 children who will receive fortified Vitameal porridge for three months. This is a crucial step in preventing malnutrition and safeguarding the lives of our children during this difficult period.”

For caregivers, this is more than just training,it is a lifeline. With new knowledge on proper feeding, early identification of malnutrition, and timely referrals, they are now better prepared to protect the children under their care.

For children like Tamara, the introduction of fortified Vitameal porridge means more than just food. It means energy to play, strength to learn, and a chance to grow healthy and strong.

Together, we can fight malnutrition. Together, we can save lives.