A Deadly Duo: Drought Fuels Malnutrition in Western Zambia
Published: Dec 3, 2024 Reading time: 3 minutes
The dusty paths of the Nalolo district in Zambia's Western Province reveal the immense daily challenges families like Nasilele Momwe's face as they struggle with the effects of an ongoing drought.
"Finding food is difficult. The only way to eat is by doing day labour like farming other people's fields," Nasilele explains,
Nasilele's experience is heartbreakingly familiar in this region, where over 88% of households experience hunger, and nearly half face severe hunger. The 2023/2024 dry spell has only worsened the crisis, leading to a surge in malnutrition cases.
A Region in Crisis
Since 2020, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, we have been working to address this crisis. Our comprehensive approach meets urgent needs and tackles the systemic drivers of malnutrition and food insecurity in Western Zambia.
At the health facility level, we have distributed over 3.2 tonnes of ready-to-use therapeutic food and 30.6 tonnes of high-energy protein supplements to ensure a consistent supply of critical nutritional support.
To strengthen local capacity, we have trained 43 health workers and 321 community health volunteers, equipping them to identify and manage acute malnutrition cases by using standardised screening methods, including measuring mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), assessing weight-for-height, and conducting comprehensive health assessments to identify children and mothers at risk of severe malnutrition quickly. Through mass community screening programmes, the team has assessed 12,599 children and Pregnant or lactating mothers, enabling timely intervention and treatment.
Stories of optimism
For mothers like Nasilele, these efforts have been life-changing. At a local health clinic, she received therapeutic food, a peanut-based paste, for her child. "Today, I'm happy. Coming to the clinic, I never expected to meet you here," she shares.
Such stories underscore the impact of our integrated approach. We are extending our reach as part of the Nutrition Emergency Response project, launched in the Senanga, Sioma, and Sikongo districts in partnership with UNICEF. This initiative targets 54 rural health facilities and focuses on children under five and pregnant women at risk due to the prolonged drought.
Working With Resilient Communities
Beyond immediate interventions, we are committed to long-term solutions.
Medical experts call this the critical "first 1,000 days"—a transformative period from pregnancy to a child's second birthday. During these crucial months, proper nutrition can prevent lifelong challenges like stunting, dramatically boost cognitive development, and set the stage for a child's health and potential.
We recognise that systemic change comes from working alongside local communities, not for them. Our approach prioritises the voices and capabilities of those we work with, particularly in Western Zambia. By strengthening local health systems, training community volunteers, and developing context-specific interventions, we are helping to build long-term resilience. That is why we invest in local capacities, create strategic partnerships with community actors, and ensure that humanitarian assistance evolves into sustainable development. As one community member improves their circumstances, they create a ripple effect and inspire others.
