Skip to main content
Knowledge4Policy
Knowledge for policy
Supporting policy with scientific evidence

We mobilise people and resources to create, curate, make sense of and use knowledge to inform policymaking across Europe.

  • Publication | 2021
Zambia Summary Report 2021 – (English)
Global Food and Nutrition Security

Introduction to Fill the Nutrient Gap (FNG) The effects of malnutrition are globally recognized as being devastating and far-reaching. Malnutrition in Zambia takes many forms and is widespread. Despite concerted efforts it remains a major public health concern. Micronutrient deficiencies are common among children and pregnant and breastfeeding women. Anaemia has remained high at 41 percent of pregnant women, 28 percent of breastfeeding women and 58 percent of children under five. Overweight and obesity rose from 13 percent in 2002 to 23 percent in 2014, suggesting that the triple burden of malnutrition – the co-existence of chronic malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and overnutrition – is becoming an increasing concern. There are glimmers of hope: between 1992 and 2018 the national prevalence of stunting fell to 35 percent, though with significant disparities between provinces, ranging from 46 percent in Northern Province to 29 percent in Western Province.