Arnold Chintengo, FRT Program Officer says the idea is to encourage the youths to use technology in spreading nutrition messages under their component of ICT-HUB, apart from using drama, care givers and road shows.

He told Zodiak today in Neno that the youth have a potential of changing how people approach nutrition messages through the use of technological applications.

"We are providing real time messages to our community we serve and one way is by the use of ICT-HUB, hence our presence today to form these WhatsApp groups," he said.

Chimtengo further said that, apart from the usage of WhatsApp, they also opened a toll-free line to the people of Neno and beyond, which is interactive.

He says, people seeking nutrition messages can dial 811 on Airtel and 7111 on TNM and got connected.

He adds they also use prerecorded messages on the same lines.

He then underscored the need for the youth to use technology responsibly to turn around the malnutrition levels in the district as they are in majority and fast to learn for a better change.

Adding his voice, Neno district Principal Nutrition HIV and AIDS Officer Lucius Njobvu admitted that the district needs a lot to be done, like dealing with cultural beliefs that hinder nutrition efforts.

He says that, there is a need to engage different players in order to change people's perceptions on what to eat.

"We need to engage these youths to help us deliver the social behaviour change and communication aspect of nutrition, so that we advance the nutrition status of our district", narrated Njobvu.

The PNHAO appeals to the people, especially adults to make sure that they change how they prepare their meals so that they include all the six recommended meals using locally available foods, translating in reduction of malnutrition.

Augustine Mulomole, who facilitated the WhatsApp creation process has advised the youths to continue using other traditional means of preparing nutrition messages beside the WhatsApp.

"Radio and direct community engagement where demonstrations are made remain vital, as some people do not own technological gadgets", noted Mulomole.

Grace Ndalama from Mibawa youth club says they will use the WhatsApp group created for a positive behaviour change than just socializing.

"These groups will help us part ways with old habits of eating and we are happy now that we will be able to spread nutrition facts while practicing too", she said.

Farm Radio Trust and the Neno Distric Nutrition Coordinating Committee (DNCC) are working with drama, care and mother groups, besides road shows and bwalo lamafuwa as means of ensuring that people are adhering to good eating habits.