The Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods Project Phase Two (GEWEL 2), with support from the World Bank, has continued to make significant strides in improving the welfare and livelihoods of vulnerable households in Chibombo District through the Department of Health.
The programme, which has been running in the district for the past year, is aimed at enhancing nutrition outcomes and supporting vulnerable families, particularly during the critical first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
The official handover of working materials to Nutrition Support Group Volunteers was officiated by Joma T. Simoyi, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, and witnessed by Lloyd Kayeka, alongside other government officials and stakeholders.
Speaking during the event, Mrs. Simoyi commended the efforts being made by the Department of Health and community volunteers in improving nutrition and health outcomes among vulnerable households. She emphasized the importance of community-based interventions in addressing malnutrition and promoting healthy living standards.
As part of the programme’s implementation, Nutrition Group Supporters received various working materials to enhance their operations in the communities. The support package included 130 bicycles, 130 aprons, 130 pairs of gumboots, 130 bags, 130 raincoats, chitenge materials, 40 motorbikes, and a vehicle, all aimed at improving mobility and service delivery among volunteers working in remote areas.
Under the programme, Chibombo District identified 2,303 Nutrition Support Group Volunteers, each assigned to support 10 households with nutrition education, monitoring, and counselling services during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—a period considered critical for child growth and development.
The volunteers play a vital role in promoting proper nutrition practices, maternal and child health, and household well-being, while also linking families to essential health and social services.
District Commissioner Mr. Kayeka praised the partnership between the Government of Zambia and the World Bank, noting that the programme is contributing significantly to improving the quality of life for vulnerable households across the district.
The GEWEL 2 Project remains a key intervention in strengthening community resilience, reducing vulnerability, and improving nutrition outcomes, particularly among women, children, and disadvantaged households in Chibombo District.
The provision of bicycles, motorbikes, protective clothing, and other working materials is expected to enhance the effectiveness of Nutrition Support Group Volunteers as they continue delivering essential services to communities and supporting the government’s efforts to improve health and nutrition standards throughout the district.
