INSTITUTIONAL CONFUSION WORRIES CSO-UN

By Lumbiwe Mwanza

THE Government should find a clear strategy and mechanism aimed at indicating which institution or ministry has the mandate to champion issues of nutrition in the Country and change the nutrition systems, says Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance (CSO-SUN) country coordinator Daniel Kalale.

Mr. Kalale told The Scoop that the existing confusion on which institution in the country has the mandate to promote nutrition has a negative impact on nutrition advocacy hence the need to put the issue to rest.

He said that the ministries of Health and Agriculture and the National Food and Nutrition Commission should have a more improved coordination other than the current confusion of which institution has the mandate to promote nutrition in the country.

“The confusion of which institution has the mandate to promote nutrition still exists and for as long as no clear strategy is found, the promotion of nutrition will not be clearly championed. If it is the three institutions mandated to promote nutrition values, let it be publicly known,” Mr. Kalale said.

He however commended the Government for the strides being made to promote a diversified production system that ensures that citizens have nutritious and safe foods.

He said that the political will can be seen from the Government to transform food systems in the country adding that the Government should not relent in expanding and improving current food assistance policies and programs to achieve nutrition security.

He said that achieving equity in nutrition security will require coordinated and sustained efforts from all stakeholders and that future advocacy, innovation, and research will be needed to expand existing food programs and to develop and implement new policies and programs that will improve the health of the general public.