Amref Health Africa in Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the health of women and children through climate-resilient primary health care systems by taking part in the national World Food Day commemoration in Tanga.

Amref Tanzania Through its Afya Himilivu Project, funded by the Embassy of Ireland in partnership with the Pangani District Council, joined government representatives, civil society organisations, health professionals, and community members to mark the occasion.  

This year’s celebrations were held under the national theme, “Tuungane Pamoja Kupata Chakula kwa Maisha Bora ya Baadaye”, calling for unity in securing access to nutritious food for future generations. 

Amref Tanzania showcased its work in strengthening community and primary health care systems that deliver quality sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and nutrition services, particularly in underserved and climate vulnerable areas. Through its community-based approach, Amref aims to build resilient health systems that can withstand climate shocks and continue delivering critical services to women and children. 

The event was officiated by the Prime Minister of Tanzania, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa, who emphasized the urgent need for multi-sectoral collaboration to address food and nutrition insecurity in the country. 

“Ensuring every household has access to nutritious food is essential for national development. This requires strong cooperation across sectors, from agriculture to health,” said Prime Minister Majaliwa during his address. 

At the Amref Tanzania exhibition booth, Community Health Workers (CHWs) from Pangani District engaged visitors with live demonstrations on proper nutrition, conducted basic health screenings including weight, height, and blood pressure, and offered practical tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and building climate-resilient communities. 

“Through Amref Tanzania Afya Himilivu project, we’re empowering communities to take charge of their health, especially women and children who are often most affected by climate and food system challenges,” said Yasinta Bahati, Project Manager for the Afya Himilivu Project at Amref Tanzania.

One of the CHWs, Asha Suleiman, shared: “We help families understand not just what to eat, but why nutrition matters for long term health. We also teach them how to grow climate-resilient crops and build better futures for their children.”

The week long celebrations in Tanga brought together key stakeholders working to advance Tanzania’s food security, nutrition, and public health goals in the face of a changing climate. 

Amref Tanzania remains committed to strengthening and empowering communities to take charge of their health by providing training, resources, and support to local health workers and volunteers. Through community led initiatives such as health education programs, referral systems, and outreach services, Amref continues to improve access to care, promote preventive health practices, and reinforce health infrastructure at the grassroots level. 

About Amref Tanzania Afya Himilivu Project.

The Afya Himilivu Project (AHP), implemented by Amref Health Africa - Tanzania with funding from the Embassy of Ireland, implemented in Pangani District Council. The project focuses on building climate resilient community and primary healthcare systems to improve access to and quality of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (SRMNCAH) and nutrition services. It targets underserved communities facing increased vulnerability to climate change and health system limitations, aiming to create lasting change through locally driven, sustainable interventions. 

With over 88 trained Community Health Workers (CHWs) actively serving in their villages, the project is helping break barriers to care by delivering health education, referrals, and basic services at the community level.