The Ministry of Education and Sports in Uganda, along with nutrition partners, is urging parents and schools to prioritize healthy feeding and physical activity among children to combat malnutrition, overweight, and obesity. This call to action was made during the conclusion of a three-day Sports for Health programme organized by Scaling Up Nutrition and Food Security for Youth, Adolescents and Children Civil Society Network (SUNFOYAC-CSN) and partners. The event took place at Kitebi Primary School in Kampala and was part of the preparations for the National Youth Dialogue for Nutrition scheduled for next month.
The Sports for Health programme brought together young people to engage in sports while discussing healthy diets, physical activity, hygiene, and factors contributing to malnutrition. According to Gilbert Orikiriiza, an Education Officer in charge of Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education and Sports, children in urban and semi-urban areas are increasingly exposed to fast foods. This exposure may contribute to health problems such as diabetes, highlighting the need for a shift towards meals based on natural foods.
Orikiriiza emphasized that the ministry is sensitizing parents, schools, and communities about healthy feeding practices and encouraging children to participate in physical activities. Government schools are required to identify areas where children can play, including community playgrounds. This initiative aims to address the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases, especially diabetes, in semi-urban and urban areas.
Sisi Kam, a Technical Advisor for Health at Plan International Uganda, noted that the programme helps young people understand the link between nutrition and physical activity. She stressed that a good diet alone is not enough; young people also need to be physically active. Kam also highlighted concerns over overweight and obesity among school-going children, which are linked to unhealthy diets and physical inactivity.
Bernard Sembatya, the Country Director of SUNFOYAC-CSN Uganda, stated that the programme deliberately targets adolescents and young people who are often missing from nutrition statistics. Initially, statistics focused on children under five, but SUNFOYAC-CSN aims to bridge the gap by addressing the challenges faced by adolescents, girls, and young people in terms of malnutrition.
The programme has so far engaged seven schools, with young people participating in discussions about their feeding habits. Sembatya cautioned parents against frequently giving children fast foods, sodas, chips, and fried chicken, while encouraging healthier meals. The programme also addresses hygiene, sanitation, and climate change, which can affect food security through the destruction of household and community gardens.
The National Youth Dialogue for Nutrition is scheduled for next month, bringing together young people and stakeholders to discuss nutrition issues and amplify young people’s voices in decisions affecting their health and wellbeing. This dialogue aims to prioritize the nutritional needs of young people and involve them in decision-making processes that impact their lives.
Key points
- The Ministry of Education and Sports is sensitizing parents, schools, and communities about healthy feeding practices.
- The programme targets adolescents and young people who are often overlooked in nutrition interventions.
- The National Youth Dialogue for Nutrition will discuss nutrition issues and amplify young people’s voices in decisions affecting their health and wellbeing.
