Mozambique: ‘Já Chega’ initiative launches in Nampula province as over 24,000 acute malnutrition cases and 30 child deaths recorded in first half of 2025

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Mozambique: ‘Já Chega’ initiative launches in Nampula province as over 24,000 acute malnutrition cases and 30 child deaths recorded in first half of 2025

7:17 CAT | 23 Sep 2025

FILE - The government, in partnership with World Vision, recently launched a programme called Já Chega ("Enough Already") in the town of Cazuzu, in Murrupula district. The initiative aims to reach around 2.6 million children across the provinces of Nampula, Zambézia, Tete, and Gaza and to mobilise over US$2 million by 2028. [File photo: World Vision-Moçambique]

At least 30 children under the age of five died from acute malnutrition in Nampula province, northern Mozambique, during the first half of the year—an increase of six cases compared to the same period in 2024, according to health authority data.

“The region continues to face high rates of child malnutrition, having recorded nearly 24,576 cases of acute malnutrition in children in the first half of this year alone, compared to 21,833 in 2024,” said Selma Xavier, the Provincial Health Director in Nampula, in a statement to Lusa on Sunday.

According to Xavier, the figures underscore the seriousness of the situation in a region where the malnutrition rate stands at approximately 46.7%, significantly above the national average of 38%.

“Of the 24,576 children registered this year in the Nutritional Rehabilitation Programme, 968 abandoned treatment—compared to 1,249 last year—while 16,770 were cured, up from 16,481 in 2024,” she added.

To address the issue, the government, in partnership with World Vision, recently launched a programme called Já Chega (“Enough Already”) in the town of Cazuzu, in Murrupula district. The initiative aims to reach around 2.6 million children across the provinces of Nampula, Zambézia, Tete, and Gaza and to mobilise over US$2 million (€1.7 million) by 2028.

The programme seeks to stimulate behavioural change in communities by raising awareness of the importance of a balanced diet based on locally available food. The initiative encourages the optimal use of local resources and demonstrates to families how properly cultivated and prepared food can provide the necessary nutrients for healthy child development.

A World Vision representative, Diolene Gimo, told Lusa that in addition to promoting healthier eating practices, the programme also aims to strengthen collective responses to child malnutrition across Mozambique.

“The idea is to involve different sectors of society in an integrated approach to ensure that the fight against malnutrition doesn’t fall solely on families. It should become a shared commitment. We also aim to expand the National School Feeding Programme sustainably, with public and private investment,” she said.

At the programme launch, children advocated for the introduction of school subjects focused on nutrition and healthy eating habits, with the view that classroom knowledge could be replicated at home and thus help reduce malnutrition rates in the province.

According to provincial authorities, all 23 districts in Nampula report cases of child malnutrition. The districts of Nampula, Eráti, Meconta, Monapo, Mossuril, and Ilha de Moçambique are among the most affected. In these areas, challenges are exacerbated by factors such as food insecurity, limited access to healthcare services, and a lack of information about proper nutrition practices.

Source: Lusa