Mozambique: Lack of Diversified Diet Affects 80 Percent of Mozambican Minors

What the report says

Mozambique’s health ministry says poor diet quality remains a major public health problem, with diversified diets lacking for about 80% of minors in the country, according to Health Minister Ussene Isse. He raised the issue at the 1st National Conference on Food and Nutrition Security in Maputo on Monday, highlighting the link between limited diets, micronutrient deficiencies and higher malnutrition risk.

The minister said chronic malnutrition affects 37% of Mozambican minors. He also cited micronutrient deficiency rates of 74% among children under five and 52% among women of childbearing age. Beyond undernutrition, Isse said overweight and obesity are also emerging concerns and are adding pressure to the health system.

According to the report from Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique, the ministry is focusing on measures such as vitamin A supplementation, mineral and micronutrient powders, deworming, nutrition services during maternal and child health visits, and industrial food fortification. Isse stressed that prevention should begin in pregnancy, especially in rural areas where roughly 65% of the population lives.

The government wants nutrition interventions to reach more than half the population by 2029 and to cut chronic undernutrition to below 30% by 2030. The minister also called for a shared plan, budget and monitoring system across sectors to reduce duplication and improve coordination.