DAR ES SALAAM: THE government through Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has launched a pilot programme known as “Stawisha Maisha” for improving nutrition in Mkuranga district.
The programme aims at improving nutrition services to children of 0 years to five years of age, expectant mothers and adolescent girls by providing the communities with education on good nutrition through radio programmes.
TASAF’s Executive Director Mr Shedrack Mziray said that the project is part of the government’s efforts to reduce malnutrition in the households which are beneficiaries of TASAF.
“With this project in place, we aim to strengthen human resources and empower households to break free from poverty through the education we will provide,” he stated.
According to Mziray, solar-powered radios will be used to encourage community participation in discussions about good nutrition. He mentioned that the radio programme will air once a week over six months, targeting both education and entertainment for the communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Coast Region authorities, the region’s TASAF Coordinator, Ms Roseline Kimaro insisted that the government is collaborating with various development partners, including TASAF to improve the economy of TASAF beneficiaries.
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He also urged residents to fully engage in the project to achieve the desired outcomes.
Mkuranga District Council is one of 18 councils selected to implement the programme. A total of 30 groups across 13 wards and 19 villages have been formed as part of the initiative. These groups will meet weekly to listen to radio programmes focused on good nutrition and general health issues.