Tanzania Intensifies Efforts to Tackle the Burden of Malnutrition and Curb Rising Obesity

Tanzania is strengthening its response to the country’s growing double burden of malnutrition by sustaining efforts to combat undernutrition while introducing targeted measures to address the rising prevalence of overweight, obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Speaking at the International Congress on Obesity (ICO) in Mexico, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Grace Magembe, said the Government’s approach combines public awareness, scientific research and evidence-based policymaking to improve health outcomes and reduce the economic burden associated with nutrition-related diseases.

As part of this strategy, the Government has rolled out the ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign, encouraging citizens to regularly monitor key health indicators, including blood pressure, blood sugar, body weight, height and waist circumference, to support the early detection and prevention of NCDs. Alongside public health campaigns, Tanzania has undertaken a National Investment Case Assessment on overweight and obesity prevention, assessed the nutritional quality of packaged foods, and examined how consumers interpret nutrition labelling and how this influences their purchasing decisions.

The country has also developed a National Nutrient Profile Model and contributed to the East African Community’s regional nutrient profiling framework. These initiatives are expected to underpin future policies, including front-of-pack warning labels, restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, and improved nutrition standards in schools and communities. Dr Magembe attributed this progress to sustained collaboration among the Government, research institutions, academia, civil society organisations and development partners in advancing evidence-based nutrition policies.

(Source Daily News)