As part of its global efforts to strengthen the health and well-being of children and mothers, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted a Child Nutrition Screening Initiative at the Matola Chapel on 27 June 2026. The initiative is part of the Church’s worldwide Child Nutrition Program, designed to help prevent and address malnutrition among children under the age of five through screenings, caregiver education, treatment referrals and family-centered support.
The programme is administered globally through the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services in partnership with the Relief Society General Presidency and aligns with the Church’s commitment to strengthening self-reliance, improving health outcomes and helping children reach their full potential.
Malnutrition remains one of Mozambique’s most pressing public health challenges, with approximately one in three children under the age of five affected by stunting. Frequent floods, droughts and cyclones continue to disrupt food production and access to nutritious foods, placing many families at greater risk of food insecurity.
Church members are not immune to these challenges. Recognizing the long-term impact of malnutrition on a child’s physical growth, cognitive development, immune system and future opportunities, the Church has prioritized efforts to identify and support vulnerable children and families.
“Healthy nutrition is essential to proper brain, body and immune system development, especially during the earliest years of life. When children receive proper nutrition, they are better prepared to grow, learn and contribute to their communities”, said Phillip Moatlhodi, Africa South Area Manager Welfare and Self Reliance.
The Mozambique program is part of a broader global effort launched by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to improve access to nutrition, immunizations, maternal health services, and newborn care for children and mothers in vulnerable communities.
Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson has emphasized that caring for children and mothers reflects the Savior’s example of ministering to those in need. “Whenever we do anything to bring relief to others, temporal or spiritual, we are bringing them to Jesus Christ,” President Johnson said. “We are grateful for the opportunities God gives us every day to love our neighbor.”
The initiative is currently being implemented in several countries across Africa, Asia, and Central America, including Mozambique, where local Church leaders, health professionals and volunteers work together to identify and address childhood malnutrition. The Maputo screening event brought together local Church leaders, self-reliance committees, volunteers, and <a href="https://healthylife7.com/california-nearly-achieved-universal-healthcare-now-millions-are-losing-coverage/” title=”California nearly achieved universal healthcare. Now, millions are losing coverage”>healthcare professionals. Children under five received nutritional assessments, including measurements used to identify signs of acute and chronic malnutrition.
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- Maputo-Hosts-Child-Nutrition-Screening-Initiative
- Maputo-Hosts-Child-Nutrition-Screening-Initiative
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In addition to screening activities, parents and caregivers received practical instruction on Child nutrition and healthy feeding practices, age-appropriate meal preparation, Growth monitoring and follow-up care, accessing available health services and immunizations as well as building healthier and more self-reliant households.
The initiative is coordinated through the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance program in collaboration with local priesthood leaders. Self-reliance committees, together with ministering brothers and sisters serving under local priesthood direction, will continue following up with families after the screening event to ensure that children requiring additional support receive the necessary care and referrals.
A key objective of the Mozambique Child Nutrition Initiative is to build local capacity so stakes can eventually organise and sustain nutrition programmes under established Church direction and local priesthood leadership.”
Church leaders from the Maputo, Matola, and Beira Stakes are being equipped with the training and reucation activities and collaborate with healthcare providers in their communities.
The Church’s humanitarian and Welfare and Self-Reliance teams have already gained valuable experience implementing similar initiatives throughout the country. Between 2022 and 2025, three child nutrition screenings were conducted in Mozambique, reaching more than 150 Church member children. Leaders report encouraging results among families who adopted improved nutrition practices and strengthened their livelihoods.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with health professionals and supports the broader goals of the Mozambique Ministry of Health to improve child health and nutrition outcomes.
The Church believes that addressing malnutrition requires more than immediate food assistance. It involves empowering families with knowledge, connecting them to health services and helping them become self-reliant, following the example of Jesus Christ by caring for both temporal and spiritual
needs
Elder Blaine R. Maxfield, Managing Director of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, explained the importance of these efforts:
“We are committed to help allewomen and children. Our goal is to help God’s children develop physically, emotionally, spiritually and in self-reliance.”
The Maputo Child Nutrition Screening Initiative stands as a testament to the Church’s commitment to caring for children, strengthening families, and following the Savior’s example of compassionate service. By identifying needs early, educating caregivers, and supporting long-term self-reliance, the Church is helping ensure that more children in Mozambique can grow, thrive and reach their God-given potential.
