In a move aimed at promoting milk consumption from the grassroots, the Tanzania Dairy Board (TDB) is set to construct eight ultra-modern Milk Access Points (MAPs) in various primary and secondary schools in Mbeya and Morogoro regions. This initiative is part of the preliminary implementation of the eagerly-awaited School Milk Programme (SMP) and is expected to commence before the end of January 2024, with an estimated cost of TZS 40 million upon completion.
Dr. George Msalya, the Registrar of TDB, highlighted the collaborative effort between the state-owned board, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, and key stakeholders, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), milk processors, and parents. The MAPs will be equipped with modern facilities for milk storage and safety, such as refrigerators.
The SMP, with a focus on reaching 100 schools in its first phase, aims to increase the number of beneficiary schools each year for five consecutive years, reaching a target of 625 schools by 2027. Dr. Msalya also revealed plans to extend milk access points to students in 134 schools across eight regions, including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mwanza, Morogoro, Ruvuma, Tanga, Arusha, and Kilimanjaro.
To illustrate, in Kilimanjaro, TDB has partnered with Galax Food and Beverages Ltd to produce small-sized processed yogurt milk sachets marketed to pupils at TZS 500.
However, Dr. Msalya pointed out financial constraints as a significant obstacle hindering the program's intended scope and quality. The SMP requires at least 15 billion Tanzanian Shillings to run for five years and aims to benefit students in 500 schools across the country.
Under the SMP, milk products distributed to students will include processed milk such as pasteurized, UHT, cultured milk, or yogurt, depending on availability and infrastructure. The program encourages parents to contribute money for the purchase of milk for their children during break time, intending to promote the health benefits of milk consumption among students.
While Tanzania has a history of milk-feeding programs dating back to the early 2000s, Dr. Msalya noted limitations in terms of coverage, access to dairy products for school children, and stakeholder involvement despite previous efforts.