Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata in GOKWE
Malnutrition rates in Gokwe North have significantly decreased following an emergency nutrition and food security programme launched in December 2024 by CARE International, Nutrition Action Zimbabwe (NAZ), PADARE, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care, with funding from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
The multi-sectoral response was implemented in response to severe food insecurity caused by an El Niño-induced drought, which had pushed Gokwe North into the top 30 most food-insecure districts in Zimbabwe.
According to the district nutritionist in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Ms Jane Mapingire the intervention has already yielded measurable results.
“We recorded a spike in malnutrition cases late last year. However, since the food and nutrition assistance began, we have observed a noticeable decline in cases of both moderate and severe acute malnutrition, especially among children under five,” she said.
The programme reached over 12 900 individuals in Gokwe North through four rounds of food distribution.
Each nutrition basket included 10kg maize meal, 750ml cooking oil, 1,5kg sugar beans, 500g kapenta, 500g salt, and 2kg sugar.
The intervention also targeted pregnant and lactating women and children under five, a group particularly vulnerable to malnutrition.
NAZ executive director Mr Tapiwa Magaisa said the programme went beyond food aid.
“We implemented a three-tier approach focused on food security, malnutrition treatment and systems strengthening,” he said.
“Across Gokwe North and Mutare, we trained nurses from 68 health facilities and equipped 15 health workers with specialised skills to manage severe acute malnutrition with complications.”
To enhance community-level detection and response, 626 village health workers were trained to conduct active screening using the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) method.
In addition, mothers and caregivers were trained to perform MUAC measurements at home to identify signs of malnutrition early and refer affected children for care.
Village health worker, Mr Trust Tshelela said the new screening approach is proving effective.
“We are no longer waiting for children to become visibly ill. Screening happens monthly in the community and mothers now know how to assess their children and take action quickly,” he said.
Ward 5 councillor Cde Levi Ncube said the intervention had a direct impact on household wellbeing.
“This programme came when families had nothing to eat,” he said.
“It did not just bring food, it brought knowledge and saved lives. It is the most effective response we have seen in years.”
Beneficiaries said the programme has transformed household nutrition.
“Before this, my children only ate sadza and vegetables. Now we have protein-rich food and I have learned how to feed them properly,” said Ms Shupikai Komba, a mother from Ward 5.
In total, the programme reached 13 406 caregivers of children under five and 1 137 pregnant and lactating women with nutrition education, promoting dietary diversity using locally available foods.
Ms Violet Maphosa, a lactating mother, said: “Now I understand how to balance meals for my baby. I have seen a real improvement in his health.”
The initiative also included a protection component, led by PADARE, to address gender-based violence (GBV), which often increases during times of food insecurity.
Community counsellors were trained using the Orange Door methodology to conduct outreach and support services.
A total of 104 individuals received psychosocial support, and six GBV survivors received medical, legal or counselling assistance.
District-level food and nutrition security committees were also supported to improve coordination, data use and prioritisation of high-need areas.
Mr Magaisa said the integrated response was a model for how food aid can be combined with healthcare and community engagement to improve outcomes in drought-affected areas.
As climate change continues to affect rural Zimbabwe, stakeholders are calling for long-term solutions to protect vulnerable communities from future shocks.
