Tackling Child Malnutrition in Tanzania Perspectives of Local Actors
Muhiya, Aira (2023)
Muhiya, Aira
2023
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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202304266475
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202304266475
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The aim of this study was to examine the perspectives of the local actors working with child malnutrition prevention and reduction to obtain ideas and discoveries of measures for tackling child malnutrition in Tanzania and other affected countries. The objective was to explore the viewpoints of the local actors on the interventions and programs implemented for reducing and preventing child malnutrition in Tanzania and to understand their views of the current situation and suggestions for the future. The study was implemented in cooperation with Agricultural Non State Actors Forum, ANSAF, in Tanzania.
Child malnutrition is a substantial public health problem, particularly in low- and middle income countries. About 45% of the deaths amongst children under 5 years of age are connected with undernutrition, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. At the same time, the amount of overweight and obese children increases in these same countries. Double and triple burden of malnutrition are global public health problems, that also pester Tanzania. Notable advancement improving nutrition among children and reducing child malnutrition has been done in Tanzania. However, the prevalence of stunting and anaemia among children persists high and the prevalence of childhood overweight has been rising.
A qualitative approach was applied in this study. One-on-one interviews with open-ended questions were used to collect the data from the local actors working with child malnutrition prevention and reduction in Tanzania. The purposive sampling of informants was used to select the informants and they were recruited with the help of ANSAF workers. Six local actors participated in the study. Inductive contents analysis method was used for data analysis.
The results of the study included six main categories: programs and interventions, optimal maternal, infant, young child, and adolescent nutrition (MIYCAN), political commitment, food security, current situation of child malnutrition in Tanzania and bright and promising future. The local actors brought up interventions and programs regarding social behaviour change communication, school feeding programs, community-based interventions, and nutrition sensitive interventions, and highlighted successful interventions and gave recommendations for future interventions. The optimal MIYCAN and importance of the first 1000 days as well as nutrition education were considered essential for child malnutrition prevention and reduction. Political commitment was accounted crucial. The local actors stated that Tanzania has made huge progress in reducing child malnutrition but were concerned about the triple burden of malnutrition in the country.
The local actors saw a bright and promising future regarding child malnutrition in Tanzania, even though defeating the triple burden of malnutrition still demands a great deal of work. Tackling child malnutrition in Tanzania requires multisectoral approaches. Further research on the perspectives of local actors on the actions and interventions required regionally to prevent and reduce child malnutrition is needed to plan and develop targeted programs and interventions.
Child malnutrition is a substantial public health problem, particularly in low- and middle income countries. About 45% of the deaths amongst children under 5 years of age are connected with undernutrition, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. At the same time, the amount of overweight and obese children increases in these same countries. Double and triple burden of malnutrition are global public health problems, that also pester Tanzania. Notable advancement improving nutrition among children and reducing child malnutrition has been done in Tanzania. However, the prevalence of stunting and anaemia among children persists high and the prevalence of childhood overweight has been rising.
A qualitative approach was applied in this study. One-on-one interviews with open-ended questions were used to collect the data from the local actors working with child malnutrition prevention and reduction in Tanzania. The purposive sampling of informants was used to select the informants and they were recruited with the help of ANSAF workers. Six local actors participated in the study. Inductive contents analysis method was used for data analysis.
The results of the study included six main categories: programs and interventions, optimal maternal, infant, young child, and adolescent nutrition (MIYCAN), political commitment, food security, current situation of child malnutrition in Tanzania and bright and promising future. The local actors brought up interventions and programs regarding social behaviour change communication, school feeding programs, community-based interventions, and nutrition sensitive interventions, and highlighted successful interventions and gave recommendations for future interventions. The optimal MIYCAN and importance of the first 1000 days as well as nutrition education were considered essential for child malnutrition prevention and reduction. Political commitment was accounted crucial. The local actors stated that Tanzania has made huge progress in reducing child malnutrition but were concerned about the triple burden of malnutrition in the country.
The local actors saw a bright and promising future regarding child malnutrition in Tanzania, even though defeating the triple burden of malnutrition still demands a great deal of work. Tackling child malnutrition in Tanzania requires multisectoral approaches. Further research on the perspectives of local actors on the actions and interventions required regionally to prevent and reduce child malnutrition is needed to plan and develop targeted programs and interventions.