Overview
The policy responds to persistently high levels of protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in Zambia, driven by poverty, food insecurity, disease burden, and weak service delivery. It presents a situation analysis covering nutrition status, household food security, vulnerable groups, gender disparities, health services, water and sanitation, food safety, capacity gaps, research and surveillance, emergencies, and institutional roles. It defines a vision of optimal nutritional status for all, with goals to achieve sustainable food and nutrition security and eliminate all forms of malnutrition. Policy measures include promoting optimal infant and young child feeding, micronutrient supplementation and fortification, growth monitoring, diversified food production and processing, minimum living wage considerations, support to vulnerable groups, gender-responsive actions, nutrition and HIV guidance, and expanded training and capacity building. The document strengthens research and surveillance, emergency preparedness, and institutional coordination by enhancing the National Food and Nutrition Commission’s mandate, revising related laws and regulations, and establishing a national steering committee. Implementation is to be operationalized through a strategic plan with defined monitoring and evaluation benchmarks.