The Department of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) proudly participated in the Tanzania One Health Conference 2024, held from November 4th to 6th, 2024, at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC). The conference, themed “Advancing the One Health Approach to Achieve Global Health Security and Sustainable Human Development,” convened leading experts, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to discuss solutions to pressing challenges at the intersection of health, environment, and society.
The event was officially graced by the Hon. Prime Minister of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa, who emphasized the critical importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing the interconnected issues of public health, food security, and
Sokoine University of Agriculture, renowned for its leadership in nutrition and agriculture sciences, played a pivotal role in the conference by contributing its expertise to the national and global dialogue on One Health approaches.
Dr. Hadijah Mbwana: Panel Discussion
Dr. Hadijah Mbwana, a distinguished faculty member, participated in the panel discussion titled: “Mitigating the Impact of Climate Change on Food Security and Pandemic Preparedness.”
Dr. Mbwana highlighted SUA’s efforts in preparing future leaders to address the interconnectedness of climate change and food security. She elaborated on how SUA integrates these critical issues into its curricula, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle complex challenges in sustainable food systems. Dr. Mbwana’s insights emphasized the need for interdisciplinary education and collaboration to enhance national resilience in the face of climate and health crises.
Ms. Zalia Basheikh: Research Presentation
Ms. Zalia Basheikh delivered a compelling research presentation titled:
“Nutritional Knowledge and Practices Regarding Healthy Meals among Street Food Vendors in Urban Dodoma.”
Her study explored the nutritional awareness and practices of street food vendors, shedding light on their critical role in urban food systems. Ms. Basheikh’s findings revealed the need for targeted nutrition education and interventions to improve the quality and healthiness of street food offerings. This work underscored the importance of integrating nutrition into urban food policies to improve public health outcomes.
The participation of SUA at this high-profile event demonstrated the university’s dedication to addressing national and global challenges through research, education, and community engagement. Some key impacts of SUA’s involvement included:
- Enhancing the visibility of the Department of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences as a leader in nutrition and food security research.
- Advocating for the inclusion of nutrition in Tanzania’s One Health framework and broader development agenda.
- Showcasing SUA’s commitment to preparing future leaders with interdisciplinary expertise to address pressing challenges related to climate change, food security, and health.
The Tanzania One Health Conference 2024 provided an invaluable platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together stakeholders from agriculture, health, environment, and education sectors. SUA’s active participation underscored the importance of integrating nutrition science into national and regional efforts to build resilient systems that protect health, ensure food security, and address climate change.
The Department of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences is committed to continuing its leadership role in addressing Tanzania’s health and nutrition challenges. By building on its participation in the Tanzania One Health Conference, the department will strengthen its collaborations and advocate for the integration of nutrition into One Health strategies and policies.
