HEALTHY DIET: Journalists Join Forces with Advocacy Groups to Tackle Nutrition Crisis in Uganda

Dr PETER MILTON RUKUNDO

Dr. Peter Milton Rukundo, the dean School of Vocation Studies Kyambogo University addressing the media at Piato Restuarant Kampala, MAY 29/2024 PHOTO/CONSENT UG

By PATRICK JARAMOGI

KAMPALA, Uganda =SHIFT MEDIA=  In a bid to address the growing concerns of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and promote healthier dietary habits among Ugandan consumers, a team of 15 high-profile journalists has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative. Collaborating with prominent advocacy organizations including CONSENT Uganda, SEATINI Uganda, FIAN Uganda, and CEFROHT, these journalists are set to design a Nutrient Profiling Model and implement Front-of-Pack Warning Labeling over the course of the next 18 months.

The initiative was officially launched on May 29, 2024, at the prestigious Piato Restaurant in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. The training session, attended by the journalists, marked the commencement of this ambitious project. Notable figures like Prof. Achilles Kaaya, a respected lecturer at the Department of Food Technology, Makerere University, and Dr. Peter Rukundo, the esteemed dean of the School of Vocational Studies at Kyambogo University, shed light on the perilous consequences of NCDs stemming from poor dietary choices.

PROF ACHILLES KAAYA
PROF ACHILLES KAAYA

Henry Kimera, the Team Leader of CONSENT Uganda, expressed optimism about the impact this collaborative effort could have on Ugandan society. He emphasized that the 18-month duration of the project is aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Nutrient Profiling among consumers. By integrating Front-of-Pack Warning Labeling, the initiative seeks to empower individuals to make informed choices about the food they consume, ultimately promoting better health outcomes across the nation.

Non-Communicable Diseases have emerged as a significant public health challenge in Uganda, with factors such as unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and tobacco use contributing to their prevalence. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs account for approximately 33% of all deaths in Uganda, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address this issue.

“The addictive’s in some of the fruits, canned foods, milk, and vegetables, some containing high levels of saturated fats, salt and sugar could be responsible for the negative health effects killing scores of Ugandans,” said Prof Kaaya.

Dr. Peter Milton Rukundo said: “We need a nutrient profiling model in Uganda by the end of the project.”

 

Dr. David Kabanda, the Executive Director Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT) said:  “In the market, everything looks like it’s safe, but it’s not. Many Ugandans are sick, while hundreds are dying, but they are not aware of what is killing them.”

The Nutrient Profiling Model, a cornerstone of this initiative, aims to evaluate the nutritional quality of food products based on scientific criteria. By establishing clear guidelines for classifying foods according to their nutrient content, consumers will be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their dietary intake. This model will serve as a tool for both journalists and advocacy groups to raise awareness about the nutritional value of different food items and highlight those that may pose health risks.

In tandem with the Nutrient Profiling Model, the implementation of Front-of-Pack Warning Labeling will provide consumers with easily accessible information about the health implications of certain food products. These labels will serve as a visual cue, alerting individuals to the presence of excessive levels of nutrients like sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which are known contributors to NCDs. By promoting transparency and accountability within the food industry, this labeling system aims to empower consumers to make healthier choices for themselves and their families.

 

Beyond its immediate impact on consumer behavior, this collaborative initiative holds broader implications for public health policy and regulation in Uganda. By engaging journalists as key stakeholders in the fight against NCDs, the project not only raises awareness but also advocates for systemic changes to improve the nutritional landscape of the country. Through ongoing education, advocacy, and community engagement, stakeholders hope to create a ripple effect that will lead to lasting improvements in the health and well-being of Ugandan citizens.

DR DAVID KABANDA
Dr. Kabanda David the ED CEFROHT

As the project unfolds over the next 18 months, all eyes will be on the progress made by this dynamic coalition of journalists and advocacy groups. With determination, innovation, and a shared commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles, they stand poised to make a significant impact in the fight against Non-Communicable Diseases in Uganda.

 

Shift Media News

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