Thyolo District Council chairperson John Olima has said extension workers play a crucial role in the implementation of various programmes and projects in the district.
He was speaking on Friday in Mulanje at the end of a training for 215 extension workers from traditional authorities Nchiramwera, Kapichi, Thomasi and Khwethemule in Thyolo District, where World Vision is implementing Support for Nutrition Improvement Component (Snic) project.
He thanked the extension workers for their dedication to improving the health and welfare of the people in the district.
The Snic project, which will phase out in 2017, is aimed at fighting malnutrition and stunting in the district.
He said people have faith in extension workers, who he noted were crucial in behavioural and social change.
He said: “Your involvement will make the project a success because you know how to approach people in your respective areas.”
Speaking at the same function on behalf of district health officer (DHO), medical officer Tamandani Hiwa said the project has come at the right time when malnutrition is a challenge in Thyolo.
“The impact cannot be seen overnight, but in the near future, the project will take Thyolo somewhere as far as stunting and malnutrition is concerned,” she said.
Snic project manager Vandrose Chowe said the good relationship that exists between Thyolo District Council and World Vision gives hope that the project will be a success.
Recently, Thyolo District Hospital nutrition coordinator Robertson Saizi said Thyolo is in the top four districts with high rates of malnutrition and stunting. n
