THE government has called for urgent action to address rising cases of birth defects linked to nutritional deficiencies in pregnant women, citing conditions such as hydrocephalus, Spina bifida and cleft lip as preventable through improved maternal diets and food fortification.

Speaking in Morogoro during the conclusion of a nationwide training on food fortification programmes yesterday, Neema Mwapili, Assistant Director of Nutrition Services at the Ministry of Health, said the country is grappling with a nutrition crisis that demands coordinated, multi-sectoral intervention.

“The lack of key vitamins and minerals during pregnancy contributes to serious birth defects and long-term developmental issues. Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron and folic acid, are at the centre of this crisis,” she said.

The five-day training, aimed at strengthening implementation of national food fortification strategies and brought together food and health regulators, nutrition officers, trade officials and community representatives. It was organized by the National Food Fortification Alliance in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Health and Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC) with support from UNICEF.

Mwapili stressed that food fortification—adding vital nutrients to commonly consumed products such as maize flour, wheat flour, cooking oil and iodized salt—is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve public health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children.

“Folic acid is critical during early pregnancy. While supplements are recommended, many women lack consistent access. Fortifying staple foods ensures broader coverage and stronger protection for both mother and child,” she said.

According to the ministry, more than 90 percent of Tanzanian households consume foods that can be fortified—making them an ideal vehicle for delivering essential nutrients. The government recently launched new nutrition regulations to guide food producers in implementing fortification standards and called on millers and manufacturers to comply.

Mwapili emphasized that the burden of malnutrition is not only a health issue but also an economic one. “We are losing human potential and increasing healthcare costs. Investing in food fortification is investing in the future of our country.”

Representing the participants, Alexander Jekoniah, Chairman of Grain Millers Association in Morogoro Region, affirmed their commitment to producing fortified flour that meets both nutritional and safety standards.

“As processors, we have a responsibility. Fortified foods can significantly reduce preventable health problems. Let’s ensure every bag of flour leaving our factories contributes to a healthier nation,” he said.

The call comes as Tanzania intensifies efforts to reduce malnutrition rates and its consequences. According to the latest Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey, anemia remains a leading cause of maternal and child mortality, with over 30 percent of women and children affected.

The government, together with partners like UNICEF and other development agencies, pushes for greater awareness, investment and enforcement of food fortification initiatives to bridge the country’s nutrition gap.

Maternal malnutrition, a lack of nutrients during pregnancy, can significantly impact both the mother and child's health, including increased risk of low birth weight, stunting, and impaired cognitive development. It also increases the child's vulnerability to infections and disease, contributing to higher morbidity and mortality. Poor maternal nutrition can perpetuate a cycle of poverty, as stunting in girls affects their future reproductive health, leading to potentially lower birth weights in their offspring.