Govt Launched Deworming and Iron Folic Acid Supplementation program

The Government of Malawi, through the Ministry of Health, recently launched the Deworming and Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (IFA) program at Kazengo Primary School in Mzimba District.

This initiative is focused on reducing anemia among adolescent girls aged 10-19 years and addressing deworming needs for children aged 5-14 years.

Dr. Mathews Joshua, Chief of Health Services and representative of the Minister of Health, served as the Guest of Honor at the event. He expressed enthusiasm for the program and emphasized the strong connection between poor water and sanitation and the spread of diseases. Dr. Joshua called on the community to prioritize hygiene and proper medical care, stressing the need for collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the 2030 health goals. He also urged parents to ensure their children consume a balanced diet to prevent stunting and other health issues.

Inkosi Kampingo Sibande, who spoke during the event, thanked the chief for attending and the government for launching this important health initiative. He emphasized the need to spread health information to schools and the wider community, stating that it is the community’s responsibility to support these efforts and ensure the well-being of children. Inkosi also encouraged Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) to engage actively with the community and urged parents to support these health initiatives.

“In the past, we’ve faced challenges between certain religious beliefs and health interventions, as some religious groups restrict members from receiving specific medications, which can obstruct public health efforts,” said Sibande. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to secure sufficient drugs and human resources, noting that shortages in these areas can sometimes hinder progress. He called on all partners to support the initiative to ensure that everyone receives the necessary treatment.

Dr. Anne Phoya, Board Chairperson of Evidence Action, acknowledged the support of the Principal Secretary from the Ministry of Health and emphasized the importance of aligning health policies with government goals. She reiterated that investing in child health is critical for the country’s future and encouraged parents to overcome misconceptions about health supplements for the well-being of their children.

“Children in Malawi continue to be affected by health issues such as worms and anemia, especially among adolescent girls. In response, the program, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has developed interventions to address these challenges,” said Phoya. She affirmed their commitment to nationwide deworming efforts and announced that iron and folic acid supplementation would begin in seven districts: Mzimba, Nkhatabay, Nkhota Kota, Ntchisi, Mulanje, Thyolo, and Chiladzulu, with plans for further expansion next year.

“We will commence the first round of deworming treatment on September 16, 2024, targeting 2.6 million school-age children across 25 districts for both soil-transmitted parasitic worms and Bilharzia, aiming for 75% treatment coverage. Iron and folic acid supplements will target 623,000 adolescent girls in the seven districts,” Phoya added.

The event underscored a shared commitment to improving health outcomes, which is crucial for the nation’s economic growth and development. By addressing these health challenges, the government and community aim to build a healthier future and contribute to the country’s overall economic prosperity.