Putting nutrition at the frontline

30 November 2025, 8:38 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

Kamara Daniel, a dedicated nutritionist, has been recognised as Outstanding Nutritionist of the Year 2025 during the 6th Heroes in Health Awards held in Kampala on 14th November 2025. This milestone achievement marks a significant shift in how health systems, communities, and future health workers view nutrition – as the foundation of modern, resilient healthcare.

Daniel’s journey from Bwindi to national recognition is a testament to his commitment to practical, people-centred nutrition work. As a practising nutritionist at Bwindi Community Hospital and Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre, he has led numerous public campaigns, including the 90 Days of Zero Sugar Challenge, the 50 Days Fruits and Vegetables Campaign, and Hydration Week. These initiatives have inspired thousands of Ugandans to adopt healthier habits and make informed dietary choices.

What sets Daniel apart is his insistence on integrating nutrition into healthcare services. He advocates for joint planning, cross-sector budgeting, and routine nutrition education, ensuring that nutrition is not confined to specialist clinics but is a core component of maternal and child health services, chronic disease clinics, and community outreach programmes.

Daniel’s work has two immediate benefits: improved patient outcomes and a stronger, more adaptable workforce. By training nurses, community health workers, and clinicians in basic nutrition, care becomes more holistic and preventive, identifying problems earlier and reducing pressure on acute services.

The impact of Daniel’s work extends beyond Uganda’s borders. His model of linking grassroots campaigns to policy discussions and clinical practice is replicable in low- and middle-income settings worldwide. As countries confront malnutrition and diet-related diseases, elevating nutrition within health system leadership sends a clear message: invest in prevention, train the workforce, and make healthy choices more accessible for everyone.

Daniel’s achievement is a call to action for governments, donors, and institutions to invest in nutrition training, fund community programmes, and support nutritionists who translate research into practice.