By Malawi News Agency

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President Dr. Joyce Banda Thursday launched the Nutrition, HIV and AIDs project which seek to increase access and utilization of selected services known to contribute to the reduction of the child stunting, maternal and child anemia.

With support from the World Bank and the Canadian International for Development Agency (CIDA) the US$103 million (MK38 billion) project will also contribute to prevention of HIV and AIDs in children and sexually active adults.

Speaking at the launch, the President said despite making progress in combating HIV and AIDs and maternal health, the country still had challenges in fighting against stunting and anemia.

Banda said presently 47.1 percent of children were stunted, a development she described to be not health for the country.

President Banda tours the exhibition during the launch.-Photo credit Felix Washon/Mana

She said, from the time HIV and AIDs was diagnosed in 1985, there has been progress in combating the pandemic but little has been done in reducing stunting and anemia among children and pregnant mothers.

President Banda further said the launch of the project meant change of focus and ensure that the country had policies and programs that supported for nutrition improvement.

However, to achieve this, the President said there was need for cooperation between Government and all stakeholders involved in the implementation of mother and child programmes.

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Malawi launches Nutrition, HIV and AIDs project