News Release – Launch of the Zimbabwe SUN Media Network

Harare, Zimbabwe – On the 4th of October 2024, the Food and Nutrition Council, serving as the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Convenor, officially launched the Zimbabwe SUN Media Network, a transformative initiative aimed at tackling malnutrition in the country. The network seeks to contribute to the knowledge sharing and learning agenda by documenting and raising awareness to the public on nutrition related issues in Zimbabwe. The media network also aims to amplify the voices around better nutrition outcomes whilst maintaining nutrition high on the development agenda and holding stakeholders accountable to the commitments made at all levels. This initiative is part of the global Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement which unites governments, civil society and citizens to improve nutritional outcomes worldwide.

With the establishment of the Zimbabwe SUN Media Network, Zimbabwe now has six networks dedicated to better nutrition outcomes throughout the life cycle, following the establishment of the SUN Civil Society Network (Zimbabwe Civil Society Network for Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance), the SUN Business Network, SUN Donor Network, UN-Nutrition and the SUN Academic Network (Scaling Up Nutrition Research and Academia Network). This expansion recognises that causes of malnutrition are multifaceted and uniting the efforts of multiple sectors and stakeholders, including the media, is fundamental to addressing the challenges. Moreso, it reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to addressing nutrition since joining the SUN Movement in 2011.

Key Objectives

The Zimbabwe SUN Media Network aims to:

Enhance Public Awareness: Increase understanding of malnutrition and its impacts on health and development in Zimbabwe.
Amplify Local Voices: Highlight the successes, challenges and best practices of stakeholders working in the nutrition sector.
Promote Evidence-Based Reporting: Encourage accurate and informed coverage of nutrition-related issues.
Foster Collaboration: Create a community of media professionals committed to sharing knowledge and resources.
Support Advocacy: Provide strategic communication support for the SUN Movement’s initiatives in Zimbabwe.

Governance

The network is made up of media professionals including communication specialists within different stakeholders, journalists, editors and broadcasters, all coordinated by a committee. The SUN Country Convener remains focal in the coordination of the key activities working with the networks’ membership.

Upcoming Activities

The Zimbabwe SUN Media Network will hold engagement meetings to:

Capacitate media professionals to enhance key nutrition advocacy and reporting
Develop information, education and communication materials to promote the SUN Movement’s work.
Monitor and analyse media coverage of nutrition issues to identify trends and maximise on opportunities for improvement.
Foster collaboration within and between networks to enhance the sharing of best practices and impactful stories of change, reaching all the way to the household level.

Conclusion

The launch of the Zimbabwe SUN Media Network marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s commitment to combating malnutrition. By bringing together media professionals under this initiative, they can elevate the conversation and knowledge around nutrition for a healthier future for all Zimbabweans, leaving no place and no-one behind.

For more information contact:

Kelebone Khabo

Public Relations and Marketing Manager

Food and Nutrition Council

1574 Alpes Road, Hatcliffe

Harare, Zimbabwe

+263773891229

kkhabo@fnc.org.zw