Leaders and stakeholders in North division, Fort Portal tourism City are demanding for mindset change and enhanced awareness of the people on food security and improved nutrition.
This was during a nutrition and food safety training held at Atacco country resort in Central division Fort portal tourism City.
Walter Baala, a councilor representing Karago ward observed that people have a variety of food in homesteads but lack the knowledge to prepare a balanced diet for improved nutrition.
He added that the need for more community training of communities on agricultural practices, enhanced sensitization on food security and nutrition to have mindset change , leaders and VHTs to be role models in society, conducting more educative radio programs ,follow ups and regular monitoring of nutrition program activities.
Caroline Uwera, a nutritionists from Kabarole resource and research center (KRC) a nongovernmental organization observes that unless local governments, leaders at all level and development partners join hands, craft effective advocacy campaigns and the Behavior Change Communication Strategy that focus on addressing the Malnutrition, Stunting remains a big problem in Uganda.
Uganda is still grappling with the high stunting levels that require the intervention of each of us, the government agencies and Civil Society to address the issue.
Nutrition Statistics
According to latest statistics, National stunting has slightly reduced from 28% 2016 to 26% in 2023. But there is no reason to celebrate yet as there are regions that are performing badly. Karamoja and Kigezi regions’ stunting has escalated. Karamoja from 35% 2016 to 45% in 2023, Kigezi region from 30% 2016 to 40% and Tooro from 41% 2016 to 39%.
