For Immediate Release.
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF JOINT NUTRITION ACTIONS IN A CHANGING WORLD: DISCOVER THE POWER OF NUTRITION.
Lusaka, 28 May, 2026.The National Food and Nutrition Commission (NFNC) joins the global community in commemorating World Nutrition Day, observed annually on 28 May. This year’s commemoration is held under the theme “Shaping the Future and Joint Nutrition Actions in a changing World, “calling for strengthened collaboration and collective responsibility to address evolving nutrition challenges.
In line with this global call, the NFNC urges all Zambians to “Discover the Power of Nutrition” as a cornerstone for national development, resilience, and human capital growth in the face of changing social, economic and environmental conditions.
As Zambia reaches the midpoint of 2026, it is important to recognize that nutrition is far more than the absence of hunger. It is the fuel for our economy, the foundation of our children’s education, and a key defence against the rising burden of disease. In a rapidly changing World characterized by climate shocks and shifting dietary patterns, nutrition remains central to building a healthy, productive, and prosperous nation.
Despite notable progress, malnutrition remains a major public health and development challenge. Currently, approximately one in three children in Zambia is stunted, limiting their physical growth, cognitive development, and future productivity.
Without urgent and sustained actions, Zambia risks missing its national target of reducing stunting to 15 percent by 2030.
The NFNC emphasizes that the “Power of Nutrition” lies in informed, deliberate choices that prioritize dietary diversity and quality, not just caloric intake. This requires coordinated and multisectoral action.
Every Zambian has a role to play in shaping our nutrition future, from households to institutions, and from communities to national leadership. Our collective actions today will determine the health and prosperity of future generations.
To mark this year’s World Nutrition Day, the NFNC highlights key priorities for joint actions:
Harnessing Local Nutritious and Climate Resilient Foods: Zambia is rich in nutrient dense, indigenous foods. Promoting crops such as millet, sorghum, legumes, small edible insects , small animals and seasonal vegetable not only improves diets but also strengthens resilience to climate variability.
Combating the Triple Burden of malnutrition: Zambia continues to face the combined challenges of stunting, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising overweight and obesity. Addressing this requires integrated approaches that promote the consumption of a variety of foods, healthy lifestyles, and improved nutrition knowledge.
Investing in Nutrition Across the Life Cycle: Sustainable progress depends on investing in nutrition at every stage of life, from adolescents and women of reproductive age to infants, children, and adults in order to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition.
Shaping the future of nutrition requires strong partnerships and coordinated actions across sectors, including health, agriculture, education, water and sanitation, and social protection among others. The NFNC calls for scaling up high impact evidence-based interventions such as:
- Exclusive breastfeeding
- Appropriate complementary feeding
- Dietary diversification using locally available foods
- Micronutrient supplementation
- Improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.
- Access to health services
The NFNC further urges increased and sustained financing for nutrition programmes. This is particularly important in high burden provinces, to accelerate progress and ensure no one is left behind, especially vulnerable populations affected by poverty and climate related shocks.
The NFNC also recognizes the critical role of communities, traditional and religious leaders, the media, private sector, and cooperating partners in shaping positive nutrition behavior and strengthening accountability for results.
The National Food and Nutrition Commission reaffirms its mandate to coordinate national efforts, provide technical leadership and advise government and the general public on evidence-based nutrition practices.
As we commemorate World Nutrition Day 2026, let us commit to working together to shape a future where joint nutrition actions respond effectively to the changing world, ensuring that every Zambian has access to adequate, safe and nutritious food.
Good nutrition is the foundation of national development, the time to act together is now!
Issued by:
Dr. Muntanga Kampengele Mapani
Executive Director
National Food and Nutrition Commission.
