Kampala, 6th November 2015:- Uganda hosted the Africa Day for food and nutrition safety at Speke Resort Munyonyo, under the theme “Empowering our women, Securing our Food, Improving our nutrition” which ties neatly with the declaration of the year 2015 as “The year of Women empowerment and Development towards Africa’s agenda 2063”.

Hon. Muruli Mukasa the Minister of Gender and Social Issues, who represented the president of Uganda as the Guest of Honor at the function pointed out that 74% of the households in Uganda derive their livelihood from agriculture. He decried malnutrition and further said it undermines labor and productivity. He said that Uganda is blessed with a good climate and soils that favor food production and as such no one should be malnourished. He also reassured the participants of government’s commitment to end malnutrition Uganda.

Her Excellency Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, the Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture at the African Union also spoke at the ceremony and commended Uganda for living up to expectations and championing the case of food and nutrition security. She also said that there was need to reduce the levels of malnourishment, saying that a balance must be struck between demand for food and meeting it.

WHO HOSTS GUESTS TO A HEALTHY LUNCH

One of the key messages, in the recently launched Global Nutrition Report 2015 states: “Although a great deal of progress is being made in reducing malnutrition, some forms of malnutrition, namely adult overweight and obesity, are actually increasing.” In Africa, the prevalence of adult overweight and obesity, according to 2014 data, was “low but increasing” in 40 countries and “high and increasing” in the remaining 14 countries. Similarly, the prevalence among under-fives nearly doubled (5.4 to 10.3%) between 1990 and 2014.

Overweight and obesity increase susceptibility to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Increased consumption of processed foods, rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles have led to shifts in dietary patterns that increase the risk of obesity. People are now consuming more foods high in energy, fats, free sugars or salt/sodium, and many do not eat enough fruit, vegetables and dietary fibre such as whole grains.

In that regard, WHO hosted participants to a "healthy lunch" where local foods were used to create a nutritious, safe and delicious meal. Guests were treated to local delights featuring steamed matooke (banana), arrowroot, sweet potatoes, bread from millet, groundnut sauces, grilled chicken and fish, and a variety of vegetables. The dessert included fresh fruits, millet cup cakes and sorghum cookies among other items. The menu excluded soda, fried foods, processed meats and salt at the table. 

Inviting the guests to lunch, Dr Adelheid Werimo Onyango, Regional Adviser for Nutrition (AFRO) pointed out that healthy eating and active living were measures everyone could take to prevent NCDs. "You do not have to wait until you are diagnosed with diabetes or when a family member suffers a stroke to adopt a healthy diet." She urged governments to encourage their populations to embrace healthy lifestyles. 

The commemoration attracted a  wide range of stakeholders namely; representatives of the public sector and statutory organizations, civil society organisations, the private sector organisations, the scientific community, farmers and development partners.

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For more information, please contact:

Mwebembezi Edmond, Public Information Officer, Tel. : +256 414 335569, Cell. : +256 782 962674

Email: mwebembezie [at] who.int (mwebembezie[at]who[dot]int)

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Below:

01. Stakeholders serving the healthy lunch that was served by WHO

02. Ms. Onyango Adelheid Werimo (WHO AFRICA) briefing stakeholders about the healthy lunch served by WHO

03. Hon Muruli Mukasa makes remarks on behalf of the President