Nalumango Calls For Global Action To Strengthen School Meals

by Saviour Simulindi

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has called for stronger international partnerships, increased investment in research and innovation, and sustainable financing to strengthen school meal programmes and improve child nutrition. Mrs Nalumango made the call when she represented President Hakainde Hichilema at the official opening of the 2026 Global Child Nutrition Forum in Lusaka, where she emphasised the need for countries to translate their commitments into practical interventions that guarantee learners access to nutritious meals.

Mrs Nalumango highlighted the contribution of school feeding programmes to improved learner concentration, attendance and academic performance. She noted that Zambia's Home-Grown School Meals Programme was benefiting more than 5.6 million learners across all 116 districts, while creating market opportunities for local farmers and supporting community economies. She also reaffirmed government's commitment to education and nutrition, noting that increased enrolment under the Free Education Policy had heightened the need for stronger learner support interventions.

The Vice President acknowledged challenges affecting school feeding programmes, including climate-related shocks, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to clean cooking technologies and persistent malnutrition. She called for stronger cooperation among governments, cooperating partners, civil society, academia and the private sector, while urging delegates to use the forum to share best practices and develop sustainable solutions to improve child nutrition globally.