Health experts have called on public servants under the Ministry of Finance to be vigilant against misleading nutrition information circulating on social media, warning that some claims especially those discouraging the consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods for children are not scientifically supported and may harm public health.
The warning was issued by the Executive Director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, Dr. Peter Kisenge, during a health outreach programme held at Kambarage Hall in Dodoma, where ministry staff benefited from cardiovascular screening and education on the prevention of non-communicable diseases, particularly heart conditions.
Dr. Kisenge said nutrition information shared on digital platforms should always be verified and understood in the context of scientific evidence, stressing that the body’s dietary needs vary depending on age, health status, and level of physical activity.
He cautioned against generalised messages that promote the elimination of entire food groups without medical justification.
He emphasized that children and young people require carbohydrates as an essential source of energy for growth, learning, and brain development.
He warned that restricting such foods without proper guidance could negatively affect children’s physical development and academic performance.
According to him, a balanced diet remains the foundation of good health, especially for growing children, and should include a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals in appropriate proportions.
Dr. Kisenge further explained that nutritional needs change throughout life, noting that adults above 50 years are generally at higher risk of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, making healthy eating habits and regular medical check-ups even more important.
He also urged citizens and public servants to prioritize natural and locally available foods such as fruits and vegetables, which play a key role in strengthening immunity and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses.
He added that salt, when used in moderation, is an important part of the diet and should not be completely avoided based on misinformation.
In addition, he advised against harmful lifestyle habits such as excessive alcohol consumption, overuse of energy drinks, and prolonged overwork without rest.
He stressed that regular physical exercise and routine health screening are essential for preventing lifestyle-related diseases.
Dr. Kisenge said early health checks help detect diseases before they become severe, reducing treatment costs and enabling individuals to remain productive in their daily work and responsibilities.
He also encouraged a strong culture of preventive healthcare, noting that healthy workers are more productive and better able to serve the public effectively, while also reducing the burden on the national health system.
On the side of the Ministry of Finance, Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Lusius Mwenda, emphasized that the performance of government institutions depends heavily on the health of employees.
He said poor health awareness often leads to late diagnosis of diseases that could otherwise be managed at early stages.
Mr. Mwenda commended JKCI for providing essential health services to staff and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continuing annual health screening programmes.
He noted that the high turnout of employees reflected growing awareness of preventive healthcare and its importance.
He added that the knowledge gained from the programme on healthy living, proper nutrition, and physical exercise would be applied by staff to improve their wellbeing, productivity, and overall quality of service delivery to Tanzanian citizens.
