Health experts push for traditional food

DODOMA: TANZANIANS have been encouraged to return to the use of traditional foods as an essential component of building strong health, with experts noting that such foods provide vital nutrients that support body immunity and serve both preventive and therapeutic roles when consumed correctly.

The call was made by the Director of Health Promotion Services (Public Health Education) in the Ministry of Health, Dr Rahma Hingora, during an interview in the city, underscoring the importance of reinstating traditional eating habits for improved community well-being.

Dk Hingora said traditional foods possess natural properties that help prevent diseases and complement treatment efforts safely and sustainably.

“We must restore our culture of eating traditional foods such as pumpkins, baobab and other naturally available foods in our surroundings. These foods contain essential nutrients that strengthen body immunity and enhance overall health,” she said.

She noted that lifestyle changes have pushed many people away from natural foods, leading to increased consumption of processed foods, many of which lose key nutrients during processing and may heighten the risk of non-communicable diseases.

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“It is important to avoid unnecessary use of chemicals and artificial supplements in foods. We should return to consuming foods in their natural state. Eat food as medicine; do not wait to take medicine as food,” she stressed.

Dk Hingora said the government will continue strengthening public health education through various media platforms, digital channels and Community Health Workers to ensure citizens receive accurate information on proper nutrition and the safe use of traditional foods.

She added that the government believes proper use of natural foods can significantly reduce disease risks, improve immunity and contribute to the overall health and well-being of the population.