By Omar Bah
The long-lasting drought has significantly impacted children in several provinces of Zambia—specifically the Western, Southern, Central, and North-Western regions. Many families are currently grappling with hunger and are unable to provide their children with nutritious food.
The results of a recent SMART survey conducted by the National Food and Nutrition Commission with support from UNICEF have outlined some alarming figures. It is estimated that nearly 52,000 children under five in the 84 drought-affected districts are at risk of severe wasting in the upcoming year if immediate preventive measures are not taken. Furthermore, an additional 276,000 children under the age of five could suffer from moderate wasting.
According to Dr. Muntanga Mapani, the National Food and Nutrition Commission Executive Director, we are at a critical juncture. The findings highlight the immediate need for preventive measures to avoid a severe malnutrition crisis.” The survey also revealed that over 50% of households in five of the six surveyed provinces are experiencing moderate to severe hunger. More than 88% of families in the Western Province face hunger, with nearly half experiencing severe hunger. These statistics put children at a high risk of malnutrition and illness.
It is important to note that children suffering from malnutrition are ten times more likely to die than well-nourished children. UNICEF Director of Global Communication and Advocacy, Naysan Sahba, emphasized the urgent need to expand access to nutritious and diverse food, health services, water, hygiene, and sanitation services to prevent a potential crisis.
The survey also identified increased wasting rates in the Southern Province, reaching 6.2%, more than double the rate during the previous drought in 2019/2020. These waste rates are expected to rise even more during the upcoming lean season of 2024/2025.
Moreover, the survey highlighted risks for almost 112,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women who are at risk of wasting, with nearly 13,000 of them expected to suffer from severe wasting. Low breastfeeding rates, particularly in urban parts of Lusaka, are a significant concern. Substantial gaps in essential water, hygiene, and sanitation facilities also exist, further increasing health risks for malnourished children and mothers. Over 60% of people in the Central and Western provinces and 25% of urban households in Lusaka lack reliable access to safe water. Insufficient sanitation and scarce handwashing facilities are exacerbating these issues, with widespread diarrhea affecting up to 33% of children in some areas.
