Dr Magembe warn against excessive consumption of salt,sugar and fat
DODOMA: THE Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Grace Magembe has urged citizens to reduce the consumption of sugar, salt and fat in foods as well as avoid unhealthy habits to protect themselves from non-communicable diseases and improve their health.
Dr Magembe said this today, during the celebration of National Nutrition Day 2026 held in Dodoma region, with the theme, “Strengthen Health, Eat Naturally, Reduce Sugar, Reduce Fat and Salt.”
“I advise citizens to consider eating a complete diet with a mixture of various food groups, Tanzania is rich in natural foods including grains, roots, vegetables, fruits and other foods with nutrients important for human health,” Dr Magembe said.
In addition, Dr Magembe said the biggest challenge in the country is not the lack of food, but the decisions made by citizens in choosing the foods they consume every day, so he urged them to prefer natural and nutritious foods instead of constantly relying on foods high in sugar, fat and salt.
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In another step, Dr Magembe urged citizens to maintain healthy bodies by exercising and participating in physical activities regularly, explaining that a lifestyle that involves sitting for long periods without doing physical activities can contribute to weight gain and the risk of non-communicable diseases.
Similarly, Dr Magembe urged parents and guardians to be good role models for children in choosing foods and a healthy lifestyle, noting that children learn eating habits from adults.
She also stressed the importance of reducing the frequent consumption of sweets, soda, ice cream, chips and other foods high in sugar and fat to protect children’s health from an early age.
She said efforts to improve nutrition should be accompanied by behavioral changes and collaboration between families, health professionals and various stakeholders to build a healthier society and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.
