Addressing a government leaders' panel during the International Congress on Obesity (ICO) in Mexico, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr Grace Magembe said the country is implementing a comprehensive strategy to combat undernutrition while responding to the growing prevalence of overweight, obesity and nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
She said the government's approach prioritises prevention, early detection and data-driven policymaking to promote healthier lifestyles and improve long-term public health outcomes.
A key component of the strategy is the "Know Your Numbers" campaign, launched by Minister for Health Mohamed Mchengerwa, which encourages citizens to routinely monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, body weight, height and waist circumference to identify health risks before they become severe.
Dr Magembe said early screening plays a critical role in preventing chronic illnesses by enabling timely medical intervention and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.
Alongside public awareness initiatives, Tanzania is expanding investment in nutrition research to strengthen policy formulation and improve the effectiveness of public health interventions.
Current research includes a National Investment Case Assessment for the Prevention of Overweight and Obesity, studies on the nutritional quality of packaged foods and assessments of how consumers understand nutrition information displayed on food labels.
According to Dr Magembe, the findings are helping policymakers identify cost-effective interventions to improve diets, encourage healthier food production and strengthen national food regulations.
She said Tanzania has also developed a National Nutrient Profile Model and contributed to the East African Community Regional Nutrient Profile Model, providing the scientific foundation for measures such as front-of-pack nutrition warning labels, restrictions on unhealthy food marketing—particularly to children—and improvements to school food environments.
The initiatives are expected to strengthen consumer access to reliable nutrition information, promote healthier food choices and reduce children's exposure to unhealthy food advertising.
Dr Magembe attributed Tanzania's progress to strong collaboration among government institutions, universities, research organisations, civil society and development partners.
She said sustained partnerships will remain essential to expanding evidence-based interventions, improving nutrition outcomes and reducing the long-term health and economic burden of obesity and other diet-related non-communicable diseases.
The International Congress on Obesity brought together government leaders, researchers, healthcare professionals and development partners from around the world to exchange knowledge and identify practical solutions to one of the fastest-growing global public health challenges.
For Tanzania, the forum provided an opportunity to showcase its nutrition reforms, share policy experiences and strengthen international collaboration as the country advances measures to promote healthy diets, improve food environments and enhance public health.
Notes to Editors
– Tanzania is addressing the dual burden of malnutrition, where undernutrition coexists with increasing rates of overweight, obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
– The government is adopting an evidence-based public health approach, combining scientific research, nutrition policy reforms and nationwide awareness campaigns.
– A flagship initiative is the Know Your Numbers campaign, which encourages regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, body weight, height and waist circumference to promote early detection of chronic disease risk.
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