Some stakeholders who were part of the meeting include representatives from the nutrition unit at the Ministry of Health, Tanzania Women Association (TAWLA), MUHAS, IFM, Tanzania Youth Diabetic Association, Physical Activity Association, TANCDA, Global Health Advocacy incubator, Tanzania Diabetic Association, and HAMAS media group.

Representing the Ifakara Health Institute, Dr. Sally Mtenga joined the discussions aimed at addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases caused by high consumption of salt, sugar, and fat. They further discussed strategies for strengthening healthy food policies and practices, and the current challenges in Tanzania. 

The meeting was part of an advocacy initiative led by the Tanzania Women Lawyers’ Association (TAWLA) to support the development of a mandatory national standard for front-of-pack warning labels, in line with international, evidence-based best practices. The goal is to improve food labeling transparency and empower consumers to make healthier choices.

Participants explored barriers and enablers to effective food policy development, with sessions designed to equip stakeholders with practical tools for driving healthier food environments in the country.

Dr. Sally mentioned that no one will be spared from the rising rates of non-communicable diseases if the healthy food practices/choices are not promoted widely and consistently. We need champions in this process to spearhead healthy food practices, attitudes, and policies at all levels. Media can be a useful tool to support this process but they need empowerment. Food manufacturers and consumers need to understand the link between unhealthy food and exposure to NCDs so as to protect their health, the health of their family members, and the community at large. Political support is crucial to ensure that there are functional and responsive legal systems to support the promotion of healthy food.

She called on researchers to contribute by generating more relevant evidence on the impacts of poor diets and offering practical recommendations for policy and programming.