The Government of Malawi has raised concerns over persistently poor nutrition among young children, with only 24% of children aged 6 to 23 months meeting the Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD), and a mere 8.7% achieving the Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD), according to the Ministry of Health.
Sylvester Kathumba, Chief Nutrition Programmes Officer, shared the figures during a media orientation held in advance of the official launch of the country’s new National Multisectoral Nutrition Policy and Strategic Plan (2025–2030), scheduled for this Thursday.
The new strategy aims to address chronic malnutrition, which continues to hinder Malawi’s development.
Malnutrition is linked to impaired cognitive development, increased susceptibility to disease, and elevated child mortality rates.
Economically, it costs the nation an estimated USD 600 million annually—approximately 10.3% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
While Malawi made notable progress between 2018 and 2022—reducing rates of acute malnutrition and child mortality—the majority of children still do not receive adequate nutrition.
The forthcoming policy emphasises a preventive and inclusive approach, promoting diversified diets, improved care for pregnant and lactating women, and better management of nutrition-related illnesses.
It also takes a multisectoral stance, integrating efforts across health, agriculture, education, and gender sectors.
Key pillars of the strategy include community empowerment, gender equality, and the promotion of sustainable and resilient food systems.
Officials hope the strategy will catalyse progress in combating malnutrition and contribute meaningfully to the country’s long-term development goals.
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