Directives issued to strengthen nutrition
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR Second VicePresident Hemed Suleiman Abdulla has issued three key directives aimed at improving nutrition and combating malnutrition in the Islands.
During the launch of the Zanzibar Multisectoral Nutrition Strategic Plan 2024/25-2028/29, held in Unguja yesterday, Mr Abdulla emphasised the government’s commitment to enhancing public health and nutrition.
“I hereby order to have quarterly meetings to evaluate the implementation of the national nutrition strategy and call for updated information sharing and relevant institutions and sectors must ensure proper planning and maintain updated information,” 2VP said.
The Second Vice-President also directed that all nutrition units at ministries and all administrative levels should be enhanced to ensure effective implementation of the plan.
“We cannot talk about improving nutrition when the responsible staff do not have a conducive environment to operate.” Mr Abdulla joined other speakers from UNICEF and the Health Ministry at the event to raise concerns over malnutrition in the country , highlighting the government’s recognition of good nutrition as the foundation for human development, particularly for cultivating skilled, energetic youth capable of driving sustainable national progress.
He said the nutrition strategy targets critical challenges caused by poor nutrition, such as child stunting, underweight issues, and malnutrition, particularly among children under five and women of reproductive age. He also noted that the strategy would complement other government plans and alleviate the healthcare costs associated with preventable nutrition-related diseases.
Mr Abdulla urged leaders from all relevant sectors to fulfill their responsibilities in alignment with the government’s development agenda, and also called on the public to adopt healthy dietary habits to prevent avoidable health challenges.
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Minister for Health,Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to improving maternal and child health and that efforts include enhancing nutrition indicators for children under five, pregnant women, and students, with the goal of fostering a healthier, well-nourished society.
He said “The ministry has introduced nutrition programmes at the regional and school levels to increase public awareness of the importance of proper nutrition.”
UNICEF Representative in Tanzania, Ms Elke Wisch said that child development heavily depends on access to proper nutrition and that currently 17 per cent of children under the age of five in Zanzibar are stunted, a condition that not only impairs their physical growth but also hinders their cognitive development and future potential for Human Capital.
She observed that micronutrient deficiencies, and most notably anaemia continue to affect a substantial number of women of reproductive age, adolescent girls, and young children, posing a critical public health concern that demands urgent action.
Ms Wisch said UNICEF commends the government of Zanzibar for recognising that addressing these challenges requires a coordinated, multisectoral approach, and that during the implementation of the plan, UNICEF will remain committed to supporting this important journey.
“We will continue working alongside the government and other partners to provide technical assistance, by fostering collaboration and coordination, we aim to support systems that drive sustainable progress in addressing malnutrition,” she said.
