Zambia

Zambia

© Foto: Tereza Hronová

Zambia is one of the least developed nations in the world. It has one of the highest chronic poverty rates as well as the greatest difference between the rich and the poor in the world. The country is also struggling with high unemployment, extremely high malnutrition, poor infrastructure and a lack of a qualified workforce. Thus, in 2017 People in Need began to help out those most vulnerable who lack inadequate financial resources or who suffer from malnutrition.

Our team operates in remote areas of the western province where over 80% of inhabitants live in extreme poverty. The majority of the province’s inhabitants, as is the case for the entire country, rely on agriculture as the main source of their livelihood. However, due to the effects of climate change, people are unable to produce enough nutrients for a nutritionally-rich diet, which in turn increases the risk of malnutrition. Furthermore, poor infrastructure and remoteness of villages make it difficult for local people to access markets and health services. Therefore, we have recently introduced an innovative approach to obtaining information about health and good eating habits through a project called mobile health or mHealth.

We cooperate with local communities in order to create sustainable forms of agriculture which result in increased production and lower rates of malnutrition amongst children and pregnant and nursing women. At the same time, we are trying to facilitate access to markets for local people so they can become financially independent and are able to further invest in their livelihoods. An emphasis on good hygiene habits that prevent the spreading of life-threatening diseases is an indispensable part of our programmes. Last but not least, we promote education and the efficient use of sustainable sources of thermal energy.

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