Tanzania has made significant progress in implementing the 2024/25 Nutrition Compact, with most performance indicators scoring green, signalling strong results across regions and local government authorities.
This was revealed on January 22, 2026, in Dodoma by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Riziki Shemdoe, while opening a national review meeting on the implementation of the Nutrition Compact.
Prof Shemdoe said the country continues to make notable gains in improving citizens’ nutritional status, a key factor in strengthening a healthy workforce and enhancing national economic productivity.
“I commend Regional Commissioners, Regional Administrative Secretaries, District Commissioners, ward and village executive officers, as well as all officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and local government authorities for their dedication in coordinating and implementing the Nutrition Compact,” he said.
He assured stakeholders that the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) would continue working closely with regional and council authorities to realise President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s goal of reducing and ultimately eliminating malnutrition in Tanzania.
Prof Shemdoe linked the progress in nutrition to the vision of Julius Kambarage Nyerere, who emphasised strengthening education, health and the economy to overcome what he termed the nation’s three enemies — ignorance, disease and poverty.
He described investment in nutrition as a high-impact economic strategy, noting that the National Development Vision 2050 prioritises building a healthy population through improved nutrition to ensure sustainable national growth.
He also cited the 2025–2030 manifesto of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which recognises nutrition as a pillar in safeguarding public health and commits the party to promoting access to quality nutrition for all citizens.
Explaining the concept of good nutrition, Prof Shemdoe said it reflects both freedom from disease and proper consumption of balanced, nutrient-rich foods.
He added that the Sixth Phase Government is preparing to roll out the Universal Health Insurance Programme, a move expected to improve access to healthcare services nationwide and support broader efforts to combat disease.
Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Seif Shekalaghe, said nutrition plays a critical role in both physical and cognitive development, as well as improving productivity and national development outcomes.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for health, Prof Tumaini Nagu, said the government will continue closely monitoring the delivery of nutrition services across all regions and councils to ensure sustained progress.
