By Charles Mkoka
The Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Needs, Hon. Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, has urged Tanzanians to adopt clean cooking energy to avoid diseases caused by smoke from harmful fuels like charcoal and firewood.
"Charcoal comes from cutting down trees, and some trees contain toxins. Using charcoal from such trees can adversely affect your health," Dr. Gwajima stated.
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She highlighted that toxins from trees include carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, which, when inhaled, can reduce oxygen levels in the blood.
Addressing concerns about taste loss when using clean cooking energy, Dr. Gwajima emphasized that clean energy enhances food flavor and eliminates smoky odors.
She also mentioned that the Ministry has eight Community Development Colleges, two of which are already utilizing clean cooking energy.