Title: National Forum on Nutrition in the DRC: urgent action against child malnutrition
Introduction
Malnutrition is a major public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the prevalence of stunting among children is alarming. To combat this scourge, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and Security, Peter Kazadi, launched the National Nutrition Forum. This event, organized under the theme “Call for the promotion of the multisectoral, inclusive and synergistic approach to combating malnutrition in the DRC”, aims to mobilize government actors, technical and financial partners as well as civil society to implement urgent and effective actions to improve the nutritional situation in the country.
The prevalence of malnutrition in the DRC
The Democratic Republic of Congo faces a high prevalence of malnutrition, particularly among children under 5 years old. According to statistics, around 9 million children are affected by stunting, while almost 4 million suffer from severe acute malnutrition. These figures highlight the urgency of action to prevent and treat child malnutrition.
The Congolese government commits to the fight against malnutrition
The Congolese government recognizes the importance of fighting malnutrition and has made it a priority in its national development agenda. Deputy Prime Minister Peter Kazadi stresses that malnutrition poses a serious threat to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, notably that of reducing poverty and hunger. The DRC is thus committed to improving the nutritional situation of its population by implementing a national nutrition sector policy.
Collaboration for the success of the fight against malnutrition
The fight against malnutrition requires the collaboration of all stakeholders. The Congolese government expresses its gratitude to United Nations organizations, technical and financial partners as well as civil society for their support in the fight against poverty and malnutrition. Deputy Prime Minister Peter Kazadi calls for maintaining this collaboration and underlines the importance of a multi-sectoral and synergistic approach to hope to reduce cases of malnutrition in the DRC.
Conclusion
The National Forum on Nutrition in the DRC marks an important step in the fight against child malnutrition. The high prevalence of malnutrition in the country requires urgent and coordinated actions to prevent and treat this scourge. The Congolese government, in collaboration with international partners and civil society, is determined to improve the nutritional situation of the population. By uniting their efforts, they preserve the future of Congolese children and work for a healthier and more prosperous future for all.