The Church of Jesus Christ Conducts Nutrition Assessments for Children in Mbuji-Mayi

During October 13-14, 2023, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized a nutritional assessment event for children ages 0 to 5 years in the city of Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. This provided parents—both members of the Church and those of other faiths—the opportunity to develop nutritional plans for their children. This very well attended activity was held in the Misesa Ward, Dibindi Stake, and Diulu Ward, Mbuji-Mayi Stake.  

The exams consisted of determining the extent of child malnutrition, helping parents better understand the health status of their children, establishing measures to improve health, and developing nutritional plans for families.

• One mother said, “We were invited to come with our children to check their health. I did so and was instructed to wait for a final exam before they were sent to the hospital.“

• Another mother said, “We were taught how to give our children nutritious foods such as peanut soup, vegetables, and milk. This activity helped me to know whether my children are healthy.”

Whether mild, moderate, or acute, malnutrition prevents individual and family self-reliance, as explained by Ibrahim Nosso, a regional director of the Church’s Department of Welfare and Self-Reliance.

“The Church promotes nutrition to bolster the future of Congolese society. A nation’s future depends on the health of children and their mothers. This is the concept underlying our effort. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we make an effort to serve others. As we are in an area with health concerns, children who need medical support or monitoring will be assigned to the respective health centers.”

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that modern revelation confirms that nutrition is essential for early childhood development.