Government To Launch New National Nutrition Program

The Tanzanian government has begun establishing a National Nutrition Program following the dissolution of the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC).

Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Godwin Mollel, announced this initiative on November 4, 2024, addressing parliamentary queries on the future of national nutrition efforts. Dr. Mollel explained that the new program will encompass broader nutrition functions and will include a dedicated nutrition research unit within the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR).

The decision to dissolve TFNC was formalized by the Treasury Registrar on December 15, 2023. Dr. Mollel assured that the National Nutrition Program would handle the responsibilities previously overseen by TFNC, focusing on expanding nutrition services nationwide.

The nutrition research unit at NIMR is expected to support this by advancing scientific inquiry into nutrition and food security.

Through this integrated approach, the government aims to strengthen nutrition support and research, addressing both malnutrition and dietary health challenges for improved public health outcomes across the country.