Tanzania has laid a stronger foundation for evidence-based nutrition policies aimed at tackling the growing burden of overweight, obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), while sustaining efforts to eliminate undernutrition.
The country's progress was presented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Grace Magembe, during a high-level introductory session of the International Congress on Overweight and Obesity (ICO), taking place in Mexico from July 15 to 17, 2026.
Speaking at the forum, Dr Magembe said Tanzania has elevated obesity prevention to a national public health priority without losing focus on combating undernutrition, recognising the country's need to address the dual burden of malnutrition.
She said the government's investment in research and data generation has enabled policymakers to design interventions based on scientific evidence rather than assumptions.
Among the key initiatives, Tanzania has completed a National Investment Case for Overweight and Obesity Prevention, assessed the nutritional quality of packaged foods available on the market and conducted consumer studies to determine how nutrition information on food labels influences purchasing decisions.
Dr Magembe said the country has also developed a National Nutrient Profile Model and contributed to the formulation of the East African Community's Regional Nutrient Profile Model, which will provide a scientific basis for future nutrition regulations and standards.
She noted that the frameworks will support the introduction of front-of-package nutrition warning labels, strengthen regulation of unhealthy food marketing targeted at children and promote healthier food environments in schools and communities.
According to Dr Magembe, the progress reflects close collaboration between the government, research institutions, universities, civil society organisations and development partners, ensuring that nutrition policies are informed by credible scientific evidence.
"Strong evidence, effective leadership and multi-sectoral collaboration are critical to developing policies that improve people's health and reduce the burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases," she said.
Public health experts increasingly view obesity as one of the fastest-growing health challenges globally, with rising rates contributing to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other chronic illnesses.
Tanzania's latest policy initiatives are expected to strengthen prevention efforts and support healthier dietary choices as the country responds to changing nutrition trends.
