FAO Concerned By High Malnutrition Levels In Uganda Ahead Of World Food Day

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has asked government to address the root cause of malnutrition.

Malnutrition is a major challenge in the country according to the 2016 report Uganda Health Demographic Survey (UHDS). Statistics at Mwana Mugimu nutrition section of Mulago Hospital indicate that they receive at least between 80 and 120 children every month for rehabilitation.

FAO country Representative Antonio Querido says malnutrition solutions rooted in food production like those focusing on agriculture, livestock and fisheries are the most effective ways to address the challenge.

Speaking ahead of the World Food Day slated for October 16, Mr. Querido says focus should be on producing nutrition sensitive food to meet the dietary requirements of the population.

The World Food Day national celebrations will be in at the Bulindi Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute in Hoima District under the theme, “Our Actions are our Future, Healthy Diets for a zero Hunger World”

The activities in Uganda will be coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

According to the 2017 Global Hunger Index, 33% of children below 5 Years are stunted, 22% are underweight and 6% are wasted.