Tanzania has made significant strides in improving nutrition in the last 30 years, but according to UNICEF, about one-third of children were still stunted in 2025. To help decrease the prevalence of malnutrition, community education on nutrition — with a particular focus on improving nutrition outcomes among pregnant women, children, and girls — has become a priority. An agreement was signed by leaders at all levels of government to emphasize nutrition.
One way this agreement comes to life is through each village’s commitment to host a quarterly Village Health and Nutrition Day (VHND). These community gatherings create structured opportunities for families to receive health education, nutrition guidance, and essential services. In Bahi District, Action Against Hunger is working alongside the government to help make these days possible, supported through the Brian Woolf project.
At the heart of VHND implementation is Isack Mabula, an enrolled nurse at Mindola Dispensary in Bahi District and the Reproductive & Child Health focal person for Mindola Village. Beyond the routine services he delivers at the health facility, Isack also engages in outreach efforts to connect with a broader spectrum of community members. He is among the healthcare professionals who have undergone training and multiple sensitization sessions to run VHNDs in line with national guidelines.
Isack Mabula, an Enrolled Nurse (EN) at Mindola dispensary.
Sensitization training covers crucial maternal and child health issues, as well as culturally sensitive ways to discuss them with members of the community. Sessions cover early booking for prenatal care, nutrition and healthy diets, hygiene and sanitation, newborn care and immunization, as well as key disease-prevention practices.
Before these sensitization sessions, VHND had limited male participation due to prevailing community beliefs regarding childcare, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, often considered solely the responsibility of women. However, research shows that when men are involved in the education and promotion of positive maternal and children’s health practices, health outcomes can improve. With carefully planned VHND interventions to promote inclusive health practices, a remarkable shift has occurred in Bahi.
“Thanks to effective sensitization efforts and the innovative approaches of village leaders and project organizers, men and young individuals are now actively involved in VHNDs,” noted Isack.
Isack and his team actively collaborate with local departments such as agriculture and community development to enrich VHNDs with a holistic lens. For example, agriculture officers may advise on kitchen gardening or nutritious food production, while community development staff help mobilize and sustain participation.
Nutrition education session done at Mzogole village during the VHND.
Integrating education entertainment elements such as traditional dances and songs has played a pivotal role in breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity among diverse demographic groups. Importantly, local leaders are heavily involved and actively support awareness efforts.
As participation has grown, so has the uptake of essential health services. The community is reporting:
- More children being screened for malnutrition
- Less cases of malnutrition due to early detection
- Increased vitamin A supplementation
- Higher attendance at immunization sessions
- More families seeking prenatal and postnatal support
- Greater awareness of healthy feeding practices for young children
These improvements align with WHO guidance emphasizing regular community-based nutrition screenings and counseling as key strategies to reduce stunting and anemia.
Now, the Village Health and Nutrition Day event has become a special day that brings together local leaders and community members to discuss health and nutrition issues that affect women and children. Isack and his team have seen positive changes in their community, with increased VHND attendance and greater uptake of health services.
The evolution of VHNDs in Bahi District is more than just a program — it is a community movement. What began as a top-down commitment has grown into a grassroots-driven, culturally resonant, inclusive platform for improving nutrition and health. They are not only successful in achieving immediate health outcomes but also promote nutrition as part of the long-term social fabric of local communities.
