DISSEMINATION OF THE ECSA REGIONAL ADOLESCENT NUTRITION ADVOCACY STRATEGY DODOMA,TANZANIA

With approximately 250 million inhabitants, the ECSA region is home to about 56 million adolescents aged between 10 to 19 years, constituting roughly 26% of the total population. Among these adolescents, girls represent 50.6%. Recognizing the significance of addressing the nutritional needs of this demographic, the Regional Adolescent Nutrition Advocacy Strategy was launched during the Health Minister’s Conference in February 2023. This strategy serves as a comprehensive guide for member states, aimed at fostering momentum towards enhancing the well-being of adolescents within the region.

The strategy is designed to facilitate focused program design and alignment with specific interventions aimed at combating malnutrition in all its forms. Moreover, it seeks to bolster funding for adolescent nutrition initiatives while raising awareness of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adolescents. By doing so, it aims to mitigate the prevalence of NCD-related complications such as overweight, obesity, and diabetes among this vulnerable demographic.

The dissemination meeting held on the 7th of February 2024 in Dodoma, Tanzania, a pivotal event in the strategy’s implementation, was honored by the presence of Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe, Director of Preventive Services, who represented the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health Tanzania.

Dr. Kapologwe emphasized the priority accorded to adolescent nutrition within Tanzania, citing the implementation of the National Accelerated Action and Investment Agenda for Adolescent Health and Well-being (NAIA). He commended the ECSA Health Community (HC) and its partner, Nutrition International, for their collaborative efforts in developing the strategy through extensive consultations with member states, thereby ensuring widespread adoption and laying the groundwork for sustained advocacy on adolescent nutrition issues.

Prof. Yoswa Dambisya, Director General of ECSA HC, underscored the increasing momentum surrounding adolescent nutrition, noting the critical importance of addressing dietary shifts and policy neglect affecting this demographic. He emphasized the unique nutritional needs of adolescents during this transformative phase of life, advocating for their inclusion in policy and program considerations. Prof. Dambisya pledged continued support from the ECSA-HC secretariat in facilitating knowledge-sharing, advocating for nutrition prioritization, and mobilizing resources to support country-specific action plans aimed at improving the health and nutrition of youth in the region. He expressed deep appreciation for the steadfast support provided by the Government of the Republic of Tanzania in advancing nutrition initiatives.

Mr. Joel Spicer, President of Nutrition International, highlighted the profound impact of collaborative efforts between ECSA and governments in addressing malnutrition, emphasizing that proper nutrition empowers individuals to realize their aspirations and contributes to building a better world. He outlined Nutrition International’s programmatic efforts in Tanzania, including the “She’ll Grow Into It” advocacy campaign, which aims to overcome barriers preventing girls from accessing proper nutrition. Mr. Spicer called for concerted global, continental, and national actions to ensure girls have the nutritional support necessary to achieve their dreams.

The dissemination meeting brought together key stakeholders, including government ministries of health, the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC), line ministries, ECSA HC, Nutrition International, and other implementing partners. This collaborative effort underscores the collective commitment towards addressing adolescent nutrition challenges and underscores the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in achieving positive outcomes for youth in the region.