THE Ministry of Health has strengthened the fight against malnutrition through introduction of multiple micronutrients supplements and micronutrient powder in Shangombo District. 

Acting District Nutritionist, Hellen Nsonga, told ZANIS during an orientation training of health staff in Simu ward of Shangombo district that the programme was meant to help facility staff to know and understand how to administer the supplementary drugs.

“The purpose of the training is to help facility staff understand and know how to administer the drugs and pass information to fellow workers,” Ms Ngosa said.

She said the two drugs were meant for pregnant women and babies from six to fifty nine months.

Ms Nsonga said the multiple micronutrients supplements are combined tablets consisting of vitamins and minerals like iodine, ferrous and folic.

These drugs are meant for pregnant women and lactating mothers while the micronutrient powder is meant for children under two years of age who are most vulnerable.

“Multiple micronutrients supplements are combined tablets consisting of vitamins and minerals like iodine, ferrous and folic meant for pregnant and lactating mothers while micronutrient powder is meant for children from six to fifty months,” she said.

Ms Ngosa said the introduction of the micronutrients was one of the government’s emergency drought responses meant to reduce stunting and mitigate nutrition challenges.

Distributions of these drugs in all 12 facilities of the district will commence immediately after the orientation training which is running for three days.

These nutrients will help boost the children’s immune system and growth in the case of pregnant women and lactating mothers. They will help to prevent stillbirth, low birth weight and produce enough blood.