World Vision Zambia Launches ENOUGH Campaign to End Child Hunger and Malnutrition
World Vision Zambia recently officially launched its three-year ENOUGH Campaign, which aims to address child hunger and malnutrition. The campaign seeks to make vulnerable children more visible, amplify their voices in policy and funding decisions, and ensure they are better fed, nourished, and resilient.
The launch event, held in Lusaka, was graced by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Reuben Mtolo Phiri, who stressed the urgency of tackling child hunger and malnutrition, calling them among Zambia's most pressing challenges.
“Here in Zambia, we are not immune to these critical issues that threaten the future of our most vulnerable population, our children. Moreover, the recent El Niño phenomenon has aggravated our nutritional challenges, creating an unprecedented crisis,” said Hon. Phiri.
He highlighted the barriers families face, including limited access to nutritionally dense foods, poor dietary diversity, and insufficient nutrition education. Hon. Phiri commended World Vision Zambia for launching the ENOUGH Campaign at a critical time.
“The campaign provides a vital platform to collaborate with dedicated partners who are equally committed to eradicating hunger and malnutrition, especially in the face of climate-induced adversities,” he added.
Speaking at the event, World Vision Zambia’s National Director, March Nosbach, highlighted the far-reaching effects of hunger, particularly in education.
“Schools are losing students because children cannot concentrate or attend classes on empty stomachs. Families are resorting to desperate measures, including child labour and exploitation,” he said.
Mr. Nosbach outlined the campaign’s objectives, emphasizing the importance of giving children a voice in shaping policies and programs. He cited the National Children’s Parliament as an example of how children can engage directly with policymakers.
World Vision Zambia will advance food security and nutrition through targeted initiatives, including advocating for school feeding programs, training farmers in climate-smart agriculture, and promoting locally grown, nutrient-dense foods. “Behavior change campaigns will empower caregivers to make healthier choices for their families,” Mr. Nosbach added.
He called on all stakeholders to join hands in fighting child hunger and malnutrition, describing the campaign as a collective effort to safeguard Zambia’s future.
17-year-old Esther, who represented Zambia’s children, delivered a heartfelt speech at the event. She emphasized that access to quality, nutrient-dense food is a fundamental human right and urged stakeholders to act decisively.
“The ENOUGH Campaign presents an opportunity to urgently address fundamental issues affecting millions of children. We ask the Honourable Minister to help eradicate poverty and implement school feeding programs to ensure every child has a healthy meal daily,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the World Vision Zambia Board of Directors, Pastor Benjamin Moyowambuya described the ENOUGH Campaign as a call to action to tackle child hunger and malnutrition at their root.
“This campaign is about protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring that no child is left behind,” said Pastor Moyowambuya.
The ENOUGH Campaign marks a pivotal step in Zambia’s fight against child hunger and malnutrition, bringing together government leaders, NGOs, communities, and children to forge a healthier, hunger-free future.