DODOMA: THE Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Godwin Mollel, has commended Njombe and Iringa regions as a success story in promoting better nutrition, attributing this to the efforts made by local leadership
These remarks were made today in Parliament in Dodoma by the Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Godwin Mollel, while responding to a supplementary question from Youth Member of Parliament, Slyvia Sigula.
Sigula inquired about the high levels of stunting reported in some of the country’s leading food-producing regions, including Iringa, Rukwa, Katavi, and Ruvuma. Dr. Mollel explained that despite these regions producing large quantities of food, many residents still lack access to a mixed and nutrient-rich diet, contributing to stunting among children under the age of five.
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He said the Tanzanian government, through the Ministry of Health, has continued to take strong measures to ensure that every citizen, especially children and pregnant women, has access to proper nutrition. This follows statistics indicating that only 9 percent of Tanzanians consume a balanced diet that adequately meets the body’s nutritional needs.
Dr. Mollel highlighted that the government has intensified nutrition education through health professionals, community-level service providers, and various public awareness campaigns aimed at changing eating habits at the household level. He noted that the focus is on increasing public understanding of the importance of good nutrition — starting from pregnancy through to when the child reaches five years of age.
Dr. Mollel commended the regions of Njombe and Iringa for their significant progress in promoting better nutrition, attributing this to the efforts made by local leadership. He further emphasized that the government will continue to collaborate with development partners to ensure that every Tanzanian child grows up in a healthy environment, supported by sustainable and nutritious food systems.
