The Government of Tanzania, in collaboration with development partners, has intensified efforts to improve public nutrition by conducting a comprehensive training on the Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Nutrition Officers from all 26 regions of Mainland Tanzania.
The training, held in Dodoma from June 25 to June 27, 2026, is part of ongoing national initiatives aimed at strengthening human capital through improved nutrition education.
It brings together nutrition officers to enhance their capacity in promoting healthy eating habits, preventing malnutrition, and addressing rising cases of non-communicable diseases linked to poor diets.
Speaking during the opening of the training, the Assistant Director for Nutrition Services from the Office of the Prime Minister – Office of the Prime Minister – PMO-RALG, Mr. Luitfrid Nnally, said nutrition officers play a central role in translating national nutrition policies into practical community actions.
He said the government remains committed to ensuring that all citizens access proper nutrition as a foundation for a healthy, productive, and economically active population.
Mr. Nnally urged nutrition officers to go beyond office-based roles and actively engage communities through awareness campaigns, emphasizing behavior change in dietary practices.
“Nutrition officers should take the lead in educating communities on healthy eating habits. This will help reduce diseases caused by poor diets, improve productivity, and strengthen the country’s human resource base,” he said.
He added that good nutrition is not only a health issue but also a key driver of national development, noting that a well-nourished population is better positioned to contribute effectively to economic growth and social progress.
On her part, Senior Nutrition Officer and Researcher from the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC), Ms. Maria Ngilisho, said the training is designed to equip officers with modern approaches to delivering nutrition education through local government systems, community outreach programs, and media platforms.
She stressed that nutrition education must reach every household, as poor dietary habits continue to affect both rural and urban communities.
According to her, strengthening communication strategies and community engagement will help improve understanding of balanced diets and reduce cases of malnutrition across the country.
Participants are expected to return to their respective regions with improved skills in interpreting and implementing the Food and Nutrition Guidelines, ensuring that accurate information reaches citizens at all levels.
The initiative reflects the government’s broader commitment to building a healthier society, reducing the burden of preventable diseases, and ensuring that Tanzania develops a strong, productive, and well-nourished population capable of driving sustainable national development.
