Mwinilunga Hosts First-Ever World Food Day Celebration, Launching the ENOUGH Campaign to End Child Hunger

By Njavwa Simukoko, Communications Specialist, Zambia

For the first time, working with the Zambian Government, World Vision Zambia organised a vibrant and historic celebration of World Food Day in Mwinilunga District. The event brought together government officials, traditional leaders, partners, and community members to mark the occasion and officially launch the ENOUGH Campaign in North-Western Province. The event, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” aimed to raise awareness about child hunger and malnutrition while fostering collective action to address these critical issues.

The celebration showcased the importance of unity among stakeholders in combating hunger and malnutrition, which continue to threaten the well-being and future of many children across Zambia. Participating in the event were five Chiefs, representatives from the Provincial Administration, local institutions, faith leaders, and hundreds of residents, all committed to working towards a hunger-free future.

The Minister of Health, Hon. Elijah Muchima, as the Guest of Honour, highlighted the government’s resolve to ensure every Zambian child has access to nutritious food.

 “Food is more than sustenance; it represents dignity, health, and hope for future generations,” say Hon. Muchima. 

The Minister further emphasised the need for collective effort, saying, “We cannot end child hunger alone. It requires the commitment of all sectors, government, communities, and partners to make a real difference.” 

The Minister expressed concern over Zambia’s nutritional indicators, citing that 32% of children under five are stunted, 5% are wasted, and 15% are underweight nationally. In North-Western Province, the situation is even more alarming, with 35% of children experiencing stunting.

Despite these challenges, the Minister acknowledged progress made through various initiatives, such as the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme that benefits over 1.6 million primary school pupils, as well as government efforts in agricultural support, food security interventions, and the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) strategy. He called on all stakeholders to unite under the ENOUGH Campaign, emphasising that collaborative efforts are crucial in ending child hunger and malnutrition. 

“Together, we can ensure every child grows up healthy, nourished, and capable of reaching their full potential,” he urged. He also praised World Vision Zambia for its longstanding commitment to child well-being and its effective partnership with government and communities, saying, “World Vision’s work over the years has been instrumental, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership.”

Representing the World Vision Zambia National Director, Marc Nosbach, Lunga/Mudunyama Area Programme Manager Allan Magasu, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to ending child hunger. 

“At World Vision, we believe every child deserves nutritious food, clean water, and access to healthcare. The ENOUGH Campaign is a call to action, inviting all of us to work together so that no child grows up hungry," says Magasu.

Magasu emphasised that behind the alarming statistics are children whose potential must be protected, saying, “These numbers reflect children who deserve better. Our efforts in supporting local farming, health systems, and nutrition programs are aimed at giving them a chance to thrive.”

He called for sustained collaboration among government institutions, traditional leaders, civil society, and grassroots groups, adding, “We need to work together to develop sustainable solutions that will last for generations.” 

The event also featured strong support from traditional leaders, with five Chiefs participating actively to champion nutrition and food security. Community groups, teachers, health workers, and farmers showcased ongoing initiatives, including community gardens, horticulture projects, and piggery programs, which help diversify diets and boost household incomes.

The event concluded with a shared resolve to ensure that every child not only has enough food but also the opportunity to grow healthy, strong, and capable of building a brighter future. A community leader summed up the spirit of the day, saying, “We are committed to working together—our chiefs, our communities, and our partners—to make sure no child suffers from hunger anymore.”