Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Ministry of Health, through the Eswatini National Nutrition Council, has intensified nationwide food safety awareness campaigns in schools amid growing concern over unhealthy food sold to learners.
Speaking during an interview with Eswatini Positive News on April 16,2026 Head of Programme at Eswatini National Nutrition Council Sniketiwe Zwane said the campaign aims to protect learners from poor eating habits and long-term health risks. She said awareness sessions were continuing across the country, with teams already engaging schools in Nhlangano and more visits planned in other regions, including private schools.
The Head of Programme said while government was making progress in ensuring learners received at least one nutritious meal a day through school feeding programmes, many children were still choosing unhealthy snacks and processed foods sold at or near schools.“There is a huge concern over the kind of food learners are buying. Some of these foods are high in additives, sugar and salt, which can contribute to obesity, kidney problems and other health complications,” she said.
Zwane said poor eating habits at a young age could expose learners to long-term illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.She said teachers were critical in reinforcing healthy eating messages because learners were more likely to take guidance seriously when it came from school authorities.
“We are asking teachers to help us raise awareness because learners listen to them. This information is important for protecting their future health,” she said.
Siniketiwe Zwane said the council was also working with parents, schools and local authorities to improve food safety standards.
She said while the Ministry of Education and Training helped ensure food was available in schools, it was difficult for government to supply fresh vegetables daily because of their perishable nature.She said schools could use the Zonhle fee paid by parents to support vegetable purchases, while the World Vegetable Center was assisting some schools to establish gardens.
“This is a joint effort. We need to work together and focus on how best we can help instead of blaming one another,” she said.During a food safety workshop for teachers in Mbabane, Sibusiso Sikhosana, a health inspector with the Mbabane Municipal Council, stressed the importance of proper food handling and storage.
“We focus on safe transport, proper storage, hygienic preparation and good packaging of food,” he said, warning that poor standards could lead to food poisoning.Senior health inspector Zinhle Mamba said the council would intensify school awareness campaigns involving learners, teachers and food vendors.
Teachers at the workshop also raised serious concerns over dangerous products being sold to learners, including ice pops allegedly found with dead animals inside.Another alarming issue raised was the reported sale of 65 per cent alcohol shots to learners at a Chinese restaurant found in the city. Municipal officials said the matter would be investigated urgently.
Teachers further called for stricter monitoring of school vendors and abandoned properties near schools, saying some learners were using such spaces for illegal activities.The campaign forms part of broader efforts to improve child health, strengthen food safety practices and create safer school environments across the country.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
