Chief rewarded for preventing stunting

Traditional Authority (T/A) Vuso Jere of Ntchisi has won a K13 million competition aimed at preventing stunting and  improving water sanitation and hygiene in the district.

The competition administered by World Vision International (WVI) with funding from World Food Programme (WFP) saw seven T/As in the district participating.

Jere, who was all smiles throughout the prize presentation ceremony in his area on Wednesday, said the achievement was a result of cooperation from subjects.

“It was a tough competition, but I strategised with my chiefs on how to get the trophy and it has worked. Next year, we will do more to defend the trophy,” he said.

Ntchisi district commissioner (DC) Malango Bottomani said the district has a bad sanitation and hygiene record due to its topography.

“Our topography is a challenge in many important aspects such as access to clean water, which is crucial on matters of hygiene,” she said.

WVI country director Fordson Kafweku said he was impressed with what communities are doing in the district, especially by using locally-sourced materials to improve health.

“We have seen good houses with nice toilets and other amenities, good gardens and animals for nutrition and income generation. This is impressive,” he said.

T/A Chilooko got K10 million for coming second, Kasakula got K7 million for coming third and the remaining four T/As got K4 million each.

WFP programme officer Trust Mlambo said the organisation has been funding the programme since 2012 and promised to continue funding it. n