A Fight Against Malnutrition: How the Zambia Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation Project is Changing Lives in Mbala
By Miranda Mhone, ZMMS Project Manager, Zambia
Recent data from the 2024 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey paints a troubling picture: over a third of children under five are stunted, and nearly half of pregnant women suffer from anaemia. These alarming figures reveal a harsh reality: malnutrition and poor maternal health are severely affecting communities across Zambia, especially in communities like Mbala.
In Mbala, many pregnant women face a silent but serious challenge, malnutrition and delayed access to care that threaten the health of both mother and child. Despite efforts to improve healthcare, too many women begin their pregnancies without knowing the importance of early check-ups, and many miss out on vital supplements that could protect them from anaemia and support their babies’ growth.
The consequences are clear. Without proper care and nutrition, many women face complications during pregnancy, and their babies are more likely to be born underweight or ill. The challenge isn’t just about providing services; it’s about changing minds, habits, and community attitudes around maternal health.
That’s where the Zambia Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (ZMMS) Project comes in. Recognising the urgent need for change, the project set out to inspire women, families, and health workers to take action. They developed simple, relatable messages, using colourful flipcharts and stories, to encourage women to visit clinics early in pregnancy, start taking supplements regularly, and adopt healthy routines.
In Mbala, community volunteers and health workers have become champions for change. They sit down with women in their homes and at clinics, sharing stories about the importance of early care. They listen to their concerns, answer questions, and help dispel myths about pregnancy and supplements.
One volunteer, Grace, shared her experience: “Women used to think that early visits weren’t necessary or that supplements were dangerous. Now, I see more pregnant women coming early, and they understand it’s about giving their babies a good start.”
The project trained dozens of health workers and volunteers across several districts. They learned how to communicate better, listen more closely, and motivate women to prioritise their health. Since then, more women in Mbala are registering their pregnancies early and taking their supplements consistently.
“I feel more confident now,” said Grace. “I tell women that taking care of themselves is taking care of their babies.”
The support from the Ministry of Health has been vital. Leaders at all levels are working together, sharing the same goal: healthier mothers, healthier babies, and stronger communities. As one national trainer, Jungwa, put it, “When everyone works together, we can make a real difference. It’s about saving lives and building hope for the future.”
As these stories of change spread, they’re touching more lives every day. Women like Grace are becoming role models, inspiring others to take action. The hope is that soon, every woman in Mbala and beyond will have the knowledge, support, and confidence to give their children a healthier start in life.