** Malnutrition and childhood in Tshopo: towards a multisectoral wrestling plan **
The province of Tshopo faces a major challenge. Recently, data revealing that 43 % of children aged 0 to 59 months suffer from malnutrition aroused strong concerns among health authorities and the community. This alarming observation was highlighted by Dr. Norbert Mosunga during the presentation of the multisectoral strategic plan to combat malnutrition, dated June 6, before the interim governor, Senold Tandia.
### An alarming situation
Malnutrition, as a public health problem, affects a significant number of children in this province. The report stresses that it was in 2024 that a detailed analysis of the nutritional situation of the youngest highlighted the urgency of the situation. The causes of this endemic malnutrition are multiple and complex. Among the aggravating factors are the ignorance of appropriate foods, eating practices often influenced by the us and customs of the various tribes of the region, as well as a state of persistent poverty which limits access to sufficient and nutritious food resources.
### An ambitious plan
To approach this problem, a 2025-2030 five-year plan has been developed. The necessary funding amounts to more than $ 184 million, an amount which seems substantial, but which could be essential to save lives and improve the nutritional state of thousands of children. This plan revolves around several axes of intervention. The first step will be to raise awareness and train communities about the importance of a nutritive diet, including micronutrients. This raises a crucial question: how to involve local actors in this educational approach? Would a participatory approach be beneficial to strengthen the appropriation of this knowledge by the communities themselves?
The delivery of the strategic document to the provincial authority for transmission to the provincial assembly testifies to a process involving the various strata of governance. However, the implementation of such actions will largely depend on the mobilization of funds, both at the provincial and through external partners.
### The challenges to overcome
It is prudent to emphasize that the resolution of a malnutrition crisis cannot be limited to educational and financial measures. Food practices rooted in local habits and customs are part of everyday life. The redefinition of these practices undoubtedly requires time and an open dialogue with communities. How to achieve a mutual understanding between public health stakeholders and the populations concerned?
In addition, poverty, which represents a major obstacle, calls for a larger multisectoral approach. Improving access to drinking water, strengthening health infrastructure, and promoting local economic initiatives are all levers that could support efforts to combat malnutrition.
### to a better collective understanding
The actions carried out by the TSHOPO authorities are a first step in the fight against malnutrition. However, questions remain. What place will be left to the returns of communities in the implementation of this plan? Will international partners be able to provide support adapted to local reality? And above all, to what extent can this initiative be sustainable beyond 2030?
The fight against malnutrition in young children is a priority that deserves urgent and coordinated attention. While recognizing the efforts made, it is imperative to remain vigilant and committed, because the health of a future generation depends on it. The path is long, but each well thought out initiative is a note of hope for the children of Tshopo.