By Peter Davieson

The Department of Nutrition, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education has rolled out a programme to provide iron supplements to girls aged between 10 and 19 years in schools and communities as one way of promoting education among adolescent girls.

The supplements are said to help increase energy levels, reduce physical weakness and regulate menstruation during puberty—factors health experts say can enable girls to concentrate better on their studies.

According to the spokesperson for the Zomba District Health Office (DHO), Arnold M’ndalira, the office has trained one teacher from each school to administer the supplements to learners.

Speaking to YFM, M’ndalira said the supplements will be distributed once every school term, while health workers will also conduct outreach programmes to provide the medication in various communities.

He added that each eligible girl aged 10 to 19 years is required to take one pill during each distribution period, in line with health guidelines.