Zimbabwe

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HKI established representation in Zimbabwe in May, 2005. Activities focus on the reduction in under-five mortality through vitamin A supplementation as well as food fortification.

Program Descriptions:

Vitamin A Supplementation: HKI works to reduce under-five mortality through the promotion of sustained high-coverage of vitamin A supplementation (VAS). National guidelines for VAS were formulated in 2001, and, in 2002, vitamin A capsules were provided by integrating them into the national immunization day (NIDs) for measles; 78% coverage was achieved. By 2004, vitamin A capsules were given during routine immunizations.

In 2005, using a campaign platform, Child Health Days were established to ensure the biannual distribution of not only vitamin A capsules, but also vaccines and bed nets (for malaria prevention). Some Child Health Days are conducted in conjunction with measles and polio NIDs. Since this approach began, VAS coverage for children 6-59 months of age has exceeded 80% for the first dose and over 60% for the second dose.

HKI works in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and UNICEF on the Child Health Days, including planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring. HKI also provides technical support in the review of campaign guidelines for health workers and for national advocacy, communication and social mobilization activities. Finally, HKI actively participates in the national EPI+ (Expanded Program of Immunization) task force, a body that oversees the immunization and VAS activities in the country.

Food Fortification: HKI is an active member of the Food Fortification Task Force in Zimbabwe and helps set standards and create partnerships. HKI is also a member of the Nutrition Technical Consultative Group, a forum for discourse on current and emerging issues in nutrition to facilitate the exchange of technical and strategic information and experiences and to ensure close collaboration and networking among members.

Program Partners

UNICEF
Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Government of Zimbabwe
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

Key Staff

Dora Panagides - Deputy Regional Director for Central, East and Southern Africa
Natsayi Nembaware - Nutrition Program Officer
Lucie Ann Ruzvie - Administration and Finance Officer

Updated March, 2008

Photo: Vitamin A supplement

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