The Ifakara Health Institute participated in the 2025 Tanzania Malezi Summit, held from May 23–24 in Mwanza. This national platform for Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Positive Parenting brought together government leaders, researchers, development partners, and community advocates to review progress under the National Multi-sectoral ECD Programme, launch key parenting tools, adopt regional child care resolutions, and raise public awareness on responsive parenting practices.

Ifakara was strongly represented at the summit, with Dr. Ester Elisaria, Dr. August Joachim, and Farida Katunzi all presenting important research and moderating discussions.

Dr. Ester Elisaria: Examining 30 Years of Stunting in Tanzania

Dr. Elisaria took to the Malezi stage to share key findings from a landmark study examining three decades of stunting trends in Tanzania. While the country has made commendable progress in reducing stunting — with rates dropping from 50 percent in 1991/92 to 30 percent in 2022 — stunting remains a significant challenge, particularly among low- and middle-income households.

The study identified several contributing factors to persistent stunting, including limited antenatal care visits, prolonged breastfeeding without timely complementary feeding, low levels of maternal education and nutrition, low household income, and an unequal division of household labour that affects child care and nutrition. 

Based on these findings, Dr. Elisaria called for a multisectoral approach and stronger stakeholder coordination, a critical review and update of national policies (with the current nutrition policy dating back to 1992), a special focus on vulnerable groups such as boys, adolescents, and children with disabilities, renewed attention to addressing regional disparities, adequate budget allocations, and the scaling up of parenting programmes.

Farida Athumani Katunzi: Exploring Systemic Barriers to Scaling Up ECD Programs

Farida Athumani Katunzi presented an exploratory qualitative study titled Exploring Systemic Barriers to Scale-Up Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programs in Tanzania: An Exploratory Qualitative Approach.

Dr. August Joachim: Determinants of Early Childhood Development in Tanzania

Dr. August Joachim shared insights on the determinants of early childhood development, drawing on fresh evidence from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic Health Survey. 

The Malezi Summit provided an important opportunity for Ifakara and other stakeholders to bring evidence to the forefront of national discussions and push for action that improves the lives of Tanzania’s youngest and most vulnerable. More updates from Ifakara Health Institute on this important work are coming soon.