Building a Healthier Future Through Nutrition

Health Matters – In recent years, Zimbabwe and many other nations across the globe have witnessed a worrying surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer.

Unlike infectious diseases, NCDs are not spread from person to person but develop gradually — often due to unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and poor lifestyle choices.

At the heart of prevention lies one of the most powerful tools available to individuals and communities: healthy food.

The food choices we make daily have a profound impact on our long-term well-being and play a central role in either preventing or promoting chronic illnesses.

Non-communicable diseases are chronic conditions that typically progress slowly and last for long periods.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs are responsible for over 70% of global deaths, with developing countries bearing a growing share of this burden.

In Zimbabwe, hospitals are increasingly treating patients suffering from diet-related illnesses.

Factors such as urbanization, reduced physical activity, and increased consumption of processed foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats have contributed significantly to this trend.

The four main types of NCDs include Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, Cancers, Chronic respiratory diseases and Diabetes.

While genetics and environment play a role, lifestyle — particularly diet — is the single most modifiable risk factor in preventing these diseases.

Food is more than fuel; it is the foundation of health. A balanced diet rich in natural, nutrient-dense foods helps strengthen the immune system, maintain healthy body weight, regulate blood pressure, and reduce inflammation — all of which are key to preventing NCDs.

Nutrition experts emphasize the importance of a diet that includes Fruits and Vegetables. These are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Regular consumption reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.

The WHO recommends eating at least five portions of fruits and vegetables per day.

Whole Grains should also be on our tables always. Foods such as brown rice, millet, sorghum, and whole wheat provide complex carbohydrates and fiber that help control blood sugar levels and improve digestion.

When we go for protein, let’s consider taking in lean Proteins. Our Fish, beans, nuts, seeds, and lean meats support muscle health and tissue repair while reducing the intake of harmful saturated fats.

Healthy Fats are an important component that our daily diet should provide. Unsaturated fats from sources such as avocado, olive oil, and nuts help maintain heart health when consumed in moderation.

Water remains the primary ingredient for a healthy body. Staying hydrated supports all bodily functions and helps regulate metabolism.

Equally important is reducing consumption of harmful substances — processed sugars, trans fats, excess salt, and alcohol — which are strongly linked to hypertension, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

Zimbabwe is experiencing a shift in its dietary patterns. Traditional diets once rich in fresh vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are increasingly being replaced by processed, fast foods high in saturated fats, sugar, and salt.

Urbanization has also led to more sedentary lifestyles, compounding the risk of NCDs.

Public health experts warn that if current trends continue, NCDs could soon surpass infectious diseases as the leading cause of death and disability in the country.

Already, hospitals are seeing more young people diagnosed with lifestyle-related illnesses such as hypertension and obesity.

To combat this, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other partners, has been implementing programs to promote nutrition education, physical activity, and healthy food production.

Schools and communities are being encouraged to start nutrition gardens, revive traditional healthy diets, and reduce dependence on highly processed imported foods.

Zimbabwe’s traditional cuisine offers valuable lessons in healthy eating. Dishes such as sadza with covo, muboora (pumpkin leaves), beans, nyimo (bambara nuts), sweet potatoes, and mazhanje (wild fruits) are nutrient-rich and naturally balanced.

These indigenous foods are typically low in harmful fats and high in fiber, providing long-lasting energy and essential micronutrients.

Reviving these dietary habits not only supports health but also strengthens local food systems and cultural identity.

Nutritionists advocate for greater inclusion of traditional foods in schools, hospitals, and national feeding programs.

They argue that returning to local, plant-based diets could drastically reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in Zimbabwe.

The fight against NCDs requires a multi-sectoral approach. Government ministries, local authorities, health institutions, and community leaders must all play a role.

Some of the key strategies recommended include running effective Public health campaigns promoting healthy eating and regular exercise.

Food labeling policies that help consumers make informed choices should also be implemented to ensure our people are aware of what they are eating.

Governments should consider running consistent School feeding programs that emphasize nutritious, locally sourced meals.

The implementation of Community gardens to improve access to fresh produce in both rural and urban areas is an essential component in the promotion of healthy living and healthy eating.

Taxation of sugary drinks and processed foods, as implemented in several other African nations can go a long way in encouraging people to drink healthier, live healthier and sustain responsible lifestyles.

Individuals also have a crucial role to play by making conscious dietary choices, engaging in physical activity, and encouraging healthy habits within families.

Ultimately, preventing non-communicable diseases is not only a medical issue — it is a societal responsibility.

Every meal presents an opportunity to protect one’s health. By choosing fresh, whole, and traditional foods over processed alternatives, communities can reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases and promote national productivity.

As Zimbabwe moves toward Vision 2030 – achieving an upper middle income society by the year 2030, achieving an upper middle-income economy will require a healthy, energetic, and resilient population.

Good nutrition must, therefore, be recognized as both a public health priority and a pillar of development.

Healthy eating is not a luxury; it is a necessity for survival and prosperity. As the global fight against non-communicable diseases intensifies, Zimbabwe has the advantage of a rich agricultural heritage and a wealth of indigenous foods that naturally promote well-being.

If every household commits to making small but consistent changes — eating more fruits and vegetables, limiting sugar and salt, and embracing physical activity — the country can turn the tide against NCDs.

In the end, the path to a stronger and healthier Zimbabwe begins not in hospitals, but in our kitchens and gardens.