The Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, and Coordination), Dr. Jim Yonazi, has urged stakeholders to join the government in strengthening national nutrition as a key measure to reduce the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Speaking in Dar es Salaam today, September 29, 2025, during the 11th Annual Nutrition Stakeholders Meeting at APC Bunju Conference Centre, Dr. Yonazi highlighted that poor diets and unhealthy lifestyles are driving the increase of NCDs, which threaten the country’s development.
“Overweight and obesity are among the main contributors to diseases such as diabetes, heart conditions, kidney problems, and some cancers,” he said.
“I call on stakeholders, institutions, and experts to support research and initiatives that help people adopt healthier diets and lifestyles to prevent these diseases, which pose a serious national threat.”he added
Dr. Yonazi acknowledged that while nutrition in the country has improved, challenges remain, particularly in managing obesity and abdominal fat due to lifestyle changes linked to development.
He emphasized that coordinated efforts between government and stakeholders are critical to address the problem effectively.
The meeting is reviewing progress in implementing the National Multisectoral Nutrition Action Plan (2021/22–2025/26) during its third year (2024/25), discussing achievements, challenges, and strategies to ensure success in the remaining period, especially 2025/26.
“The presence of all stakeholders here shows strong collaboration and commitment to improving nutrition in Tanzania, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young children, infants, pregnant women, and people with special needs,” Dr. Yonazi said.
He thanked stakeholders for their financial and technical contributions to the meeting and assured continued government support to achieve national success in combating malnutrition.