Vusumuzi Dube
Nothando Zondo, Sunday News Reporter
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care has achieved notable success in Umzingwane District through its care group initiative, which aims to enhance health, nutrition and overall well-being by equipping community members with essential skills for self-sustainability, particularly during the drought induced by El Niño.
Care groups are volunteer-led community-based organisations focused on promoting health and nutrition, especially for mothers and children under the age of five.
Launched in 2017, the programme seeks to improve health outcomes, reduce child mortality rates and foster greater community engagement. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Government and organisations such as United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), World Health Organisation (WHO), World Vision and Community Technology Development Trust (CTDO).
In an interview with Sunday News, Umzingwane’s District nutritionist, Ms Annie Msauki, revealed that the initiative has positively impacted the district.
“As the district nutritionist, I can attest that care groups and District Food Nutrition Security Committees (DFNSC) have significantly improved nutrition outcomes in our area,” she said.
“They have enhanced community engagement, improved health knowledge, supported vulnerable mothers and children, leading to reduced stunting and wasting among children under five years and increased exclusive breastfeeding rates.”
Ms Msauki added that the District Food Nutrition Security Committee has strengthened co-ordination, resource allocation and capacity building, enabling data-driven decision-making and increased accountability.
“It’s a multi-sectoral approach where Government departments work together to end malnutrition by promoting good behaviours like breastfeeding, nutrition gardens and other initiatives,” she explained.
This year, care group members received training in various resilient livelihood initiatives.
“We conducted livestock training, seed fairs, solar dryer constructions, post-harvest handling and environmental conservation for food and future security,” she said.
Ms Msauki further explained that the district has approximately 50 promoters, 200 lead mothers and male influencers participating in the care groups.
“Although the initiative primarily targets women to support each other, some men, such as village heads, traditional leaders and community leaders, also participate in the care groups to provide influence and support.
“This is encouraging, as it shows that communities and their leadership prioritise these initiatives,” she said.
One of the lead mothers, Ms Sifiso Mpofu, expressed gratitude toward the programme.
“We are very happy to be part of this initiative, as it teaches us a lot,” said Ms Mpofu.
“As mothers in communities, we have been inspired to practice good hygiene, such as digging rubbish pits and maintaining nutritional gardens.”
Ms Nosipho Sibanda from Ward 12 in Umzingwane praised the effectiveness of the training.
“The care groups initiative partners with NGOs to fund projects we’ve been trained on.
“In June, we received training on poultry farming and we were promised chickens to boost our livelihoods. We look forward to it,” she said.
These initiatives demonstrate the Government’s dedication to addressing communities’ needs.
Online Reporter