Gambian families across the country consume more tapalapa than senfur, according to a new national micronutrients survey.

The survey  compiled by James P Worth and Dr Modou Faal of the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) showed that 97 percent of households consume bread and of these households, 82 percent consume tapalapa whilst 35 percent consume senfur.

Findings also showed the consumption of other foods made from flour is relatively high with 51 percent on pancakes, 34 percent on salty pies whilst 23 percent on doughnuts.

According to Dr Faal, the results are based on a nationwide survey conducted in 2018under the leadership of James P Worth alongside partners such as Ministry of Health, Regional Public Health Officers, Gambia Government, Medical Research Council, WFP, FAO, UNICEF and Grounds Work.

He said the main objective of the survey was to obtain updated and reliable information on the prevalence of micronutrients deficiencies and non-communicable diseases in children 0-59 months of age and non-pregnant and pregnant women aged 15-49 in The Gambia.

“The results will enable stakeholders to formulate evidence-based intervention to improve the nutrition status of these vulnerable groups (women and children).”

More findings from the survey

The survey results showed that 57 percent of pregnant women are anaemic with 30 percent of women obese, 8 percent diabetic and 10 percent hypertension.

The results further showed women in The Gambia do not engage in physical activities.

In children, 50.4 percent are anaemic; 28.1 percent of mild anaemia, 21.4 percent moderate and 0.9 percent of severity.

Vitamin A deficiency is higher among children 0-59 months old which was heavily blamed on the monthly supplements given.

19.8 percent of women in CRR Kuntaur are diabetic, according to the results.