President of Tanzania sets out his Call for Action on Nutrition

On 16 May, the President of Tanzania and SUN Lead Group Member, H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete launched a nationwide nutrition sensitization campaign – the Presidential Call for Action on Nutrition. The campaign launch took place in Dar es Salaam with a large audience including government leaders at various levels. All of Tanzania’s Regional Commissioners attended and made commitments to advocate for improved nutrition in their respective regions( Tanzania has 25 regions and 160 districts). Development Partners were also present including UNICEF,WFP, AMB. of IRELAND,WORLD BANK ,UK IAD, USAID, HKI, IRISH AID, GAIN and WHO as well as private entrepreneurs, particularly those engaged in food fortification programmes. They all stated their continued support for the Presidents call for action.

In his address, the President stressed the importance of nutrition advocacy at all levels of government. In particular, he urged the stakeholders from the public sector to secure adequate budget for addressing nutrition within their respective sectors – from national to local/district levels. President Jakaya Kikwete also announced that the government will work with flour millers in rural areas to add nutrients to their produce in an effort to improve villagers’ health.

With the success of this event, Tanzania will now focus on ensuring that there is a common understanding of the importance of addressing malnutrition at the regional and district levels so as to ensure each level of government is taking the actions required to achieve results.

Additional Information:
IPP Media: Govt to install nutrient-inducing devices in flour mills
IPP Media: JK orders food processors to add vitamin A in products
All Africa/Tanzania Daily News: Tanzania: Balanced Diet in Limelight Under New Nutrition Drive

PRESIDENTIAL CALL TO ACTION FOR NUTRITION – Download PowerPoint