Uganda makes progress in nutrition, yet challenges remain

5 May 2025, 2:54 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2022, 26% of children under five years old suffer from stunting nationally, with the Karamoja region having the highest rate at 40%. Samalie Namukose, Assistant Commissioner of the Nutrition Department at the Ministry of Health, highlighted that despite improvements in nutrition, Uganda continues to face significant challenges, particularly in regions like Tooro and Kigezi, which are major food baskets for the country.

Many children in Uganda lack essential nutrients such as vitamin A and proteins. Pregnant women, adolescent girls, and people living with HIV are also particularly vulnerable to poor nutrition. Sarah Ngarombi, a nutritionist with the Ministry of Health, noted that 26% of women in Uganda are obese, with 17% of them being of reproductive age. Additionally, 23% of pregnant women experience high blood pressure.

Laura Ahumuza Turinawe, a Senior Nutritionist at the Ministry of Health and the Maternal, Infant, Young Child and Adolescent Nutrition (MIYCAN) Focal Point, emphasised the importance of breastfeeding in addressing nutritional deficiencies. “We want all mothers to breastfeed their children within the first hour,” she said. The government is also exploring the establishment of milk banks in regional hospitals to support children born to sick or premature mothers.

The Ministry of Health has introduced an egg powder initiative, aimed at providing children with essential nutrients found in eggs. According to the initiative, consuming an egg daily can significantly contribute to a child’s nutritional needs. This programme was launched in Kamwenge District, which has a high number of children suffering from malnutrition. Furthermore, the ministry plans to support school-going adolescent girls with folic acid supplements to improve their nutrition, an initiative already adopted by some private schools.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has received a donation of 2.5 million doses of dewormers, valued at 2.5 billion Ugandan shillings, from Food for the Hungry Canada. Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, received the donation, which is aimed at supporting children and pregnant women. This donation comes as Uganda is already in the midst of Integrated Child Days, a campaign focused on the health and well-being of children.

Dr Yvonne Karamaji, Executive Director of Mildmay Uganda, advised Ugandans to cook food thoroughly and practice good hygiene to prevent worm infestations. “Children under 14 years of age should be dewormed twice a year, but many do not have access to dewormers, which is why this donation is so important. It will help prevent the effects of worms, such as anaemia, weight loss, and stunted growth,” she added.