World Vision shares these recommendations from 15-year old child advocate Zewelanji of Zambia who is here participating in WHA77. Proper nutrition is a right that every child must be given. Governments must take immediate actions to reverse the worsening of maternal, infant and young child nutrition.
Ministries of Health and Education must collaborate to ensure that micronutrient supplements and nutrition education are availed to children, women, and communities. Maternity leave should be extended to at least 6 months to support exclusive breastfeeding and women’s health and nutritional needs. Strengthening and increasing the Community Health workforce is essential, as is supporting them to provide nutrition services, and improving their working conditions.
Most importantly, leaders must ensure that the children in their communities are able to meet their dietary needs and that the whole community can actively participate in improving nutrition. Children must not be left out of this and must participate in matters concerning them.