Despite significant improvements in recent years, particularly in economic terms, Tanzania still faces high levels of malnutrition, especially among women and children. The country is estimated to have over 2.9 million children under the age of five suffering from chronic malnutrition, nearly 600,000 affected by acute malnutrition, and around 100,000 with severe acute malnutrition. Approximately 45% of deaths among children under five are linked to malnutrition and are preventable.
Nutrition is closely linked not only to physical growth but also to cognitive development. Severely malnourished children may suffer from impaired neurodevelopment, along with cognitive and behavioural difficulties. If left untreated, these effects can become the most serious and long-lasting consequences of malnutrition.
Emotional and physical stimulation through play is known as Early Child Development (ECD) and can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and the irreversible effects of prolonged malnutrition.
As CUAMM, we are committed to integrating ECD into the health system in the Dodoma region. In Dodoma, we work to care for the youngest children.
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Through awareness-raising activities in villages, we promote practices that help parents support their children’s cognitive development.
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Through seminars and specialised training, we prepare local health workers to identify and treat different forms of malnutrition.
Through seminars and specialised training, we prepare local health workers to identify and treat different forms of malnutrition.