KATAVI : KATAVI Region has intensified its fight against the high prevalence of stunting by launching a strategic plan aimed at addressing the problem.
During the launch of the initiative recently in Mpanda Municipality, Katavi Regional Commissioner Ms Mwanamvua Mrindoko said that the strategic plan was inspired by a recent official visit to Njombe Region, where they observed successful approaches to combating stunting.
She urged local leaders and nutritionists to take decisive actions to address the region’s high stunting rates.
“Proper intervention measures are critical to ending malnutrition in the region,” she said, calling on nutritionists to intensify efforts using various strategies.
“We need collaborative efforts, backed by scientific approaches to end malnutrition. This is key to poverty eradication.”
With a stunting rate of 32.2 per cent, according to the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator, Katavi remains one of the regions with the highest undernutrition rates in Tanzania, despite being one of the country’s breadbasket regions.
Ms Mrindoko said ongoing monitoring and evaluation of nutritional interventions are important, to ensure appropriate measures are taken to address the issue effectively.
“Proper interventions will play a vital role in reducing malnutrition and helping to fight poverty in the southern zone region,” she added.
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Despite being close to Lake Tanganyika and Lake Rukwa, which are rich in fish species, Katavi still faces one of the highest stunting rates in the country, with 32.2 per cent of children affected.
“We must reflect on this situation and take immediate action,” the RC urged. “Much more needs to be done.”
She also stressed that addressing malnutrition should be a priority for everyone in the region to protect children from the long-term effects of stunting.
“Without necessary interventions, children will continue to be at high risk,” she said, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding their children as recommended. Katavi Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Mr Albert Msovela, called on parents and guardians to provide nutritious food to children under five to help reduce stunting.
“Concerted efforts are still needed to ensure that children in Katavi are saved from malnutrition. The stunting rate among children under five is still high at 32.2 per cent,” he said.
He also said that Katavi’s favourable climate supports the production of both cash and food crops, ensuring that food availability is not the issue.
“Katavi has ample food varieties, including rice, maize, beans and fish from Lake Tanganyika and Lake Rukwa. What is needed is to educate families on the best food varieties to consume daily,” Mr Msovela emphasised.
The RAS appealed to all stakeholders to join efforts in fighting malnutrition and hidden hunger, especially by educating families, particularly women, on the importance of breastfeeding and consuming food rich in micronutrients, proteins and vitamins.
Regions with the highest stunting prevalence rates above the national average include: Iringa (56.9 per cent), Njombe (50.4 per cent), Rukwa (49.8 per cent), Geita (38.6 per cent), Ruvuma (35.6 per cent), Kagera (34.3 per cent), Simiyu (33.2 per cent), Tabora (33.1 per cent), Katavi (32.2 per cent), Manyara (32 per cent), Songwe (31.9 per cent) and Mbeya (31.5 per cent).
