The Pangani District Council in Tanga region has commemorated Nutrition Day at the Pangani Magharibi ward office in Pangani town, urging the community to embrace proper nutrition for better health.

Speaking at the event, Pangani District Nutrition Officer Daudi Mwakabanje emphasized the importance of good nutrition among adolescents, as this group is most likely to consume unhealthy foods high in fat, sugar, and salt while avoiding vegetables and fruits.

Several stakeholders attended the Nutrition Day celebrations in Pangani District.

The nutrition officer highlighted that globally, there is a growing movement recognizing adolescents as a special group, making it crucial to ensure they do not suffer from poor nutrition.

The event also involved stakeholders advocating for adolescent nutrition, including the non-governmental organization AFRIWAG. A representative from AFRIWAG, Ms. Fatma Hamza, urged parents to prioritize proper nutrition for their children.

Voice of AFRIWAG Representative, Ms. Fatma Hamza

Pangani District faces the following nutritional challenges:

• Stunting: 1%
• Overweight: 0.2%
• Wasting: 0.8%
• Anemia among pregnant women: 4.7%

This year’s National Nutrition Day was celebrated under the theme:
“Proper Nutrition for Adolescents: A Key to Their Success”.

Through the ROAR programme (‘Realising the Rights of Older People through Inclusive Social Protection Systems, Accountability, and Resilience Strengthening’), older people in Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania will receive vital assistance. 

This initiative aims to empower older people, helping them lead more dignified and resilient lives. By collaborating with national governments, HelpAge will enhance social protection programmes that safeguard older people from poverty and deprivation and better cater to their needs. Additionally, we will advocate for policies that protect their rights and boost their resilience, working closely with Older People’s Associations. 

Our partners and network members in the four countries will spearhead this effort – HelpAge Tanzania, JUYAWAZA and AFRIWAG in Tanzania, Ethiopia Elderly and Pensioners National Association (EEPNA) in Ethiopia, MANEPO in Malawi, and APITE, ACIDECO and The Anglican Church based in Mozambique.  

The ROAR initiative builds upon the work of HelpAge’s AFFORD programme which has been supported by Irish Aid since 2012. 

We’re thrilled that Irish Aid is partnering with HelpAge once again to empower older people in Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Together, through our AFFORD programme, we’ve already seen positive changes, like improved pension access and financial security for them. With this new support, we’re committed to expanding our efforts, ensuring even more older people benefit from inclusive social protection programmes. Our mission remains clear: to enhance the lives of older people worldwide.

Cherian Mathews, CEO HelpAge International

HelpAge is among fourteen civil society organisations chosen by Irish Aid for their impactful work in uplifting impoverished and vulnerable communities globally.