From Blessings to Blessings
A story of hope and nutrition in Monze District
Monze District, 11 December 2024 - Under the sunny skies of Monze District in Southern Province, 34-year-old Bertha Maingaila beams with excitement as she cradles her two-month-old daughter, aptly named Blessings. Today, Bertha received a nutrition top-up on her Emergency Cash Transfer—a welcome addition that turned an ordinary day into an extraordinary one.
Having joined the Emergency Cash Transfer programme earlier in the year while pregnant- a qualifying factor as she met the target audience, Bertha had grown accustomed to benefitting 800 Kwacha bimonthly, equivalent to USD 28.87 to support her family. But this time, she walked away with a total of 1,250 Kwacha (USD 45.11), thanks to a special nutrition top-up targeted at pregnant and breastfeeding women and mothers of children under two.
“I couldn’t believe it when they handed me the money,” Bertha said. “This top-up is such a blessing. I didn’t expect it, and it’s going to make a big difference for my family.”
Investing in Blessings
For Bertha, who is also mother to two older children aged 12 and 9, every kwacha matters. After receiving her cash transfer, she headed straight to the market with a clear plan: to invest in a healthier future for her family. She bought leafy green vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious foods such as beans and kapenta (small sardines) to ensure a balanced diet for herself and her children. These choices are especially important for Bertha as a breastfeeding mother, knowing that her milk is her baby’s first line of defense against illnesses.
Breastfeeding is so important, and Blessings loves her breast milk,” Bertha explained. “I want to eat foods that help me produce enough milk for her so that she can grow even healthier. This money gives me the chance to do that.
A Lifeline for Mothers
Bertha’s story is part of a larger effort to combat malnutrition and stunting in Zambia. With stunting rates falling from 35 per cent to 32 per cent according to the 2024 Zambia Demographic Health Survey, programmes like the Scaling Up Nutrition Phase 2, supported by the EU, are making a tangible difference. Nutrition top-ups like the one Bertha received are specifically targeted at the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—a critical window for cognitive development and growth. In Southern Province alone, over 12,000 mothers and children are benefiting from this support. By repurposing funds to address drought and malnutrition, the EU and government partners are ensuring that families like Bertha’s can thrive, even in challenging times.
A Brighter Tomorrow
For Bertha, the impact of the program goes beyond nutrition. The cash transfer has brought stability and hope to her household, where just a few months ago, even a bag of mealie meal seemed out of reach. “This money helps me put proper food on the table,” she said. “It’s not just about feeding my family—it’s about feeding them well.” As she walked home from the market with her baby in one arm and her food purchases in the other, Bertha radiated hope. For her, the cash transfer is more than just financial aid; it’s an investment in her family’s future—an investment in Blessings’ future.
