ECSA-HC to establish two new colleges to combat malnutrition

ARUSHA: THE East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSAHC) has announced plans to establish two new colleges — the 12th College for Nutrition and the 13th College for Public Health Nutrition and Communication — as part of its efforts to tackle widespread malnutrition in the region.

ECSA-HC Director General, Dr Ntuli Kapologwe, revealed the plans during the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the East and Southern Africa Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Network (ESA SUN CSN) in Arusha.

Dr Kapologwe cited alarming regional statistics, including stunting rates above 30 per cent, wasting, and anaemia affecting over 35 per cent of adolescent girls and young women, as justification for the new colleges.

“Establishing these colleges is crucial to raising the visibility and impact of nutrition across the region. They will enhance research, communication and policy engagement in addressing these challenges,” he said.

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The MoU aims to promote a regional nutrition strategy, strengthen governance from global to national levels and enhance nutrition research for policy influence.

ESA SUN CSN Chairperson Edgar Onyango welcomed the collaboration, emphasising the role of evidence-based advocacy.

“Without data, there is no foundation for advocacy. This partnership allows us to generate, share and apply evidence to shape policies and national budgets,” he said.

He reiterated the network’s goal of ending all forms of malnutrition by 2030, expressing optimism that joint regional efforts can make this a reality.