Tanzania records a 30 percent increase in the number of people with obesity

DAR ES SALAAM: Despite various government efforts to combat non-communicable diseases, the number of people with obesity in Tanzania has increased from 26 percent to 30 percent , contributing to a higher risk of these diseases.

This was disclosed in Dar es Salaam by Dr Omary Ubuguyu, Assistant Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, during a special event that brought together stakeholders from the Federation of Non-Communicable Disease Associations in East African countries. The event aimed to disseminate a strategic plan to reduce deaths from non-communicable diseases by 20percent  down from the current rate of 41percent.

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Earlier, Prof Kaushik Ramaiya, President of the Non-Communicable Disease Association for East Africa, stated that the plan prioritizes strengthening prevention of non-communicable diseases, facilitating the distribution of medicines, and enhancing medical services for patients.

Meanwhile, Itete Karagire, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist from the East African Community, described the plan as important and welcomed Tanzania’s initiative to address non-communicable diseases effectively.