Year of publication 2007

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Pages 117

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Author Mukelabai Songiso, Simon Hikaula, Janet L. Shamapango, Tomy B. Zulu;Nutrition Division

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Product type Book (stand-alone)

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Edition 1

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Synopsis (short abstract) These education materials are intended to help tackle the widespread problem of malnutrition among Zambian school children. They are based on the basic school classroom curriculum for nutrition education as identified by teachers, heads teachers, local nutritionists and education standards officers. The geographical area targeted was Luapula but most of the issues apply equally to other Zambian provinces. Many school-age children in Zambia suffer from malnutrition. Particularly common pro blems are protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), vitamin A deficiency and iron deficiency. Children with these deficiencies are stunted (small for their age), do not grow well, are vulnerable to disease, are often listless and inattentive and do not do well at school. They may also have other more specific health problems, such as poor eyesight and anaemia. The reason for these dietary deficiencies may be that children do not get enough to eat, but even more that their diet does not give them the variety of foods they need. Another problem is that many schoolchildren do not eat frequently enough. Children need to eat often to maintain their energy levels, yet even when food is available in the home, many children go to school without breakfast; some eat only one meal a day1. This has a detrimental effect on their learning as well as on their long-term growth and health. These nutritional conditions are aggravated by other health problems. Widespread diarrhoeal diseases contri bute to malnutrition and put lives at risk; these infections (and others) are spread by poor personal and environmental hygiene and sanitation. Malaria, like other serious diseases, causes loss of appetite, weakens the body and can lead to protein-energy malnutrition. Malaria is also one of the major causes of anaemia in malaria-endemic areas such as Luapula. Prevention and correct treatment of these diseases can therefore improve nutritional wellbeing considerably.

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Language English

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