UNICEF Uganda

14/04/2026

Over two million children under five in Uganda are affected by chronic malnutrition (UDHS 2022). Too many children are missing out on the nutrition they need to grow, learn and reach their full potential.

The consequences of poor nutrition in early childhood are often irreversible, but they are also preventable.

Today, the Government of the Republic of Uganda-Ministry of Health- Uganda, with support from and partners, launched a Nutrition Advocacy Campaign – .

This campaign is a call to action to strengthen systems, scale up nutrition services, and ensure that every child especially the most vulnerable has access to the nutrition they need to survive and thrive.

Every child deserves access to nutritious diets and essential services, especially in the first 1,000 days.

The first 1,000 days of life; from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, offer a critical window to get nutrition right.

Through strong government leadership, increased awareness, and coordinated action across sectors, we can improve outcomes for children.

From prevention to treatment, investing in nutrition is investing in Uganda’s future.

UNICEF Uganda is proud to support this initiative alongside partners, as part of a shared commitment to ensure every child has a healthy start in life.

Together, we must act to ensure no child is left behind.

Together, we can end malnutrition!

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Exclusive breastfeeding, for example, is critical in this window. Breast milk is the best food for the child. The first 1,000 days of life remain a very critical window for growth and development.

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In fact, close to 90% of children are affected by what we refer to as childhood poverty,in other words, they are not eating enough or not eating well.

It is deeply concerning that many children are not getting the best start in life, and that food consumption remains limited in many households across the country.

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Zakaria Fusheini, Nutrition Manager UNICEF Uganda

This campaign comes at a critical time for Uganda, when despite the progress made, too many children are still not receiving the diets they need. As a result, they do not learn better, and they do not thrive better.

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A child who is stunted may have poor school performance, may not grow well, may not develop fully, and may not contribute effectively to the social and economic development of this country.

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From our statistics, we see that the most vulnerable populations are women and children. Data shows that about 26% of our children are stunted. This means they are too short for their age.

There are serious negative consequences associated with stunting.

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Dr.Samalie Namukose, Assistant Commissioner Nutrition
Ministry of Health- Uganda

Malnutrition remains a major public health concern here in Uganda. It is not only a health issue, but also an economic issue and a social development issue.

Some of you who read the papers may have seen that stunting is used as a proxy indicator for national development. If we do not address stunting, we are likely to lag behind instead of progressing as a developing country.

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Parents and caregivers need practical knowledge on how to feed their children, especially during the first 1,000 days of life. They also need support systems that reinforce positive practices within their everyday environment:- Dr George Upenytho,Public Health Nutritionist Ministry of Health- Uganda

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With nearly 90% of children experiencing some level of food poverty, the challenge is as much about what children eat as it is about what families know and what families do.

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Dr George Upenytho,Public Health Nutritionist
Ministry of Health- Uganda

National statistics continue to highlight the burden of malnutrition, for example, as we note, 26% of children are stunted and many are affected by poor diets, these numbers, reflect the reality within our homes and within our communities.

They also tell us many stories, because behind every statistic we talk about, there is a child whose growth is compromised not only by lack of food, but also by lack of the right knowledge.

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