KAMPALA, Uganda (UG STANDARD) — In a bid to bolster public health, the mayor of Nakawa Division in Uganda’s capital has emphasized the critical role of proper nutrition in preventing disease.
Speaking at an event held as part of Uganda Water Week, Mayor Paul Mugabe lauded the efforts of a local organization in promoting healthier eating habits within the community.
The Advocacy Community Dialogue, which took place on Thursday, April 3, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government ministries, water and sanitation authorities, local political figures, and advocacy groups. The event, themed “Clean Water, Safe Food, Healthy Lives: Linking WASH and Nutrition for Community Resilience,” was organized by the Community Integrated Development Initiative (CIDI).
Mugabe told attendees that ensuring adequate nutrition is a fundamental aspect of maintaining good health. “Nutrition is a critical pillar of good health. When individuals are well-fed, they’re better equipped to fight diseases,” he stated. He encouraged residents to prioritize affordable, locally-sourced foods, suggesting they often provide better nutritional value than more expensive, processed alternatives.
The mayor also commended CIDI for its ongoing work in Nakawa, which focuses on promoting both nutrition and healthy lifestyles, urging the community to embrace these initiatives for improved well-being.
Hellen Kasujja, the Deputy Director of CIDI, echoed the urgency of the situation, calling for greater coordination and increased financial investment in the interconnected sectors of Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Nutrition (WASH-N). “We are almost moving to alarming states,” Kasujja warned, highlighting the persistent challenges of food insecurity, acute malnutrition, and stunting among young children in parts of the country.
Kasujja presented concerning statistics, revealing that a significant majority of Ugandans lack access to improved sanitation, contributing to public health risks. She also pointed out the prevalence of open defecation and the lack of basic handwashing facilities for many, including breastfeeding mothers. Furthermore, she raised concerns about the state of healthcare facilities, many of which lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation.
Referencing Uganda’s low ranking on the Global Hunger Index, Kasujja stressed the detrimental impact of poor sanitation and limited access to clean water on the nation’s overall health and economic productivity. She advocated for the establishment of local nutrition coordination committees and more robust public health inspections to ensure food safety and hygiene standards.
Evelyn Zalwango, Project Coordinator for CIDI’s Right2Grow program, underscored the direct link between WASH and nutrition, particularly for children. Citing World Health Organization research, Zalwango noted that poor WASH conditions are a major contributor to undernutrition globally. The Right2Grow program aims to educate leaders and communities on implementing effective WASH practices.
The initiative also focuses on empowering youth through skills training in areas like sustainable energy production, fostering entrepreneurship and job creation.
The dialogue also addressed broader issues such as waste management, access to clean water in healthcare settings, and the affordability of water services, with participants proposing community-led solutions to improve accountability.
Geoffrey Luyombya, Speaker of the Nakawa Division Urban Council, praised CIDI’s efforts in empowering local leadership and the wider community on these critical WASH and nutrition issues.
The discussions in Kampala highlight a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of water, sanitation, and nutrition in achieving community well-being, with local leaders and experts calling for a more integrated and adequately funded approach to these fundamental needs.
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