IGUNGA District Commissioner Sauda Mtondoo, has said efforts should be made to increase the production of nutritious food to address the rising issue of malnutrition.

She also called for long-term strategies to combat the problem in the district.

Sauda made ths statement recently during a meeting with the district nutrition committee, where she called on nutrition experts to enhance their efforts in order to achieve positive results in the community, including improving the health of residents.

She emphasised the importance of the committee, as it holds the health interests of the district's residents, urging them to come up with effective and   strategies for the benefit of the people.

She pointed out that one of the council’s strategies is to increase the production of nutritious food to improve the health of the people and reduce malnutrition and related diseases caused by poor nutrition.

"This meeting is very important as it discusses the broader interests of the community and their health. I believe the budget that will be passed will focus on the council's goal of improving nutrition among the community," she said.

She explained that economic development cannot be achieved without healthy people,  stressing that health begins with good nutrition.

Joseph Mafuru,  acting Igunga District’s executive director suggested that experts explore the possibility of utilising open spaces near schools to establish nutrition gardens, including vegetable gardens.

“Education officers, please help identify open spaces near schools that are suitable for  vegetable farming and other food gardens to ensure our children have food at our schools,” he said.

Lucia Kafumu, head of health, social welfare, and nutrition department in the council, advised nutrition officers to start vegetable gardens and other nutritious food production  and poultry.

She also urged them to improve their plans to ensure that the nutrition challenges facing the community in the district are addressed and bring positive outcomes.