The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will disburse US $75 million over the next five years to reduce malnutrition in six districts of Zambezia’s central province. The funding supports the programme Okhokelamo ni Solho (Resilient Nutrition in the Elomwe language), which aims to combat chronic child malnutrition.
A document released on 22 March notes that early‑childhood malnutrition hampers development throughout life, and that rural Zambezia exhibits especially high rates: 45 % of children under five are stunted and 77 % are anaemic. Okhokelamo ni Solho will focus on the nutritional needs of mothers, children and girls, involving community leaders and coordinating with government health services. As part of the effort, nutrient‑rich food products will be distributed to needy families during the rainy season, when food diversity is markedly lower.
The document highlights that Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which struck Zambezia in March, underscores the need for resilient, prepared communities in the participating districts. To maximise impact, the activity will be closely aligned with other USAID food and nutrition initiatives in Zambezia under the Feed the Future (FTF) programme.
Promoting maternal and child nutrition is presented as a critical component of broader U.S. assistance to Mozambique. In close collaboration with the Mozambican government, the United States provides more than US $700 million annually to improve education and health care quality, promote economic prosperity, and support the nation’s overall development.
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