The Coalition for the Promotion of Health Diets in Cameroon has launched a policy advocacy campaign titled "Healthy Food Choices Matter, Save the Next Generation" to reduce the consumption of unhealthy diets from packaged food products.
The coalition is calling for a tax increase on ultra-processed products and sweetened beverages to mitigate the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for 7 out of 10 deaths globally. In Cameroon, NCDs are responsible for 43% of annual deaths, with over 74,000 people dying from these diseases every year. Unhealthy diets, particularly those high in sugar, have been identified as a major risk factor for NCDs.
The coalition, led by the Reconciliation and Development Association (RADA), urges the government to prioritize public health by adopting healthy food policies, including taxation on sweetened beverages and other unhealthy packaged food products. They also advocate for awareness campaigns, advertising regulation, and clearer warning labels on food products.
Ferdinant M. Sonyuy, CEO of RADA.
The coalition's call to action is supported by alarming statistics, including the fact that about 50% of Cameroonians consume more than 3 cans of sweetened beverages weekly. Sweetened beverages have been linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.
Joint Release from the Coalition.
The coalition is calling on policymakers to prioritize public health and development by adopting healthy food policies. By taking these measures, Cameroon can promote healthier choices for its citizens and reduce the burden of NCDs. Everyone is encouraged to join this campaign.
The coalition is calling for a tax increase on ultra-processed products and sweetened beverages to mitigate the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for 7 out of 10 deaths globally. In Cameroon, NCDs are responsible for 43% of annual deaths, with over 74,000 people dying from these diseases every year. Unhealthy diets, particularly those high in sugar, have been identified as a major risk factor for NCDs.
The coalition, led by the Reconciliation and Development Association (RADA), urges the government to prioritize public health by adopting healthy food policies, including taxation on sweetened beverages and other unhealthy packaged food products. They also advocate for awareness campaigns, advertising regulation, and clearer warning labels on food products.
"We need to act now and act fast," said Ferdinant M. Sonyuy, CEO of RADA. "Taxing sweetened beverages will reduce consumption and prompt manufacturers to reformulate products with excessive amounts of nutrients of health concern."
The coalition's call to action is supported by alarming statistics, including the fact that about 50% of Cameroonians consume more than 3 cans of sweetened beverages weekly. Sweetened beverages have been linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.
The coalition is calling on policymakers to prioritize public health and development by adopting healthy food policies. By taking these measures, Cameroon can promote healthier choices for its citizens and reduce the burden of NCDs. Everyone is encouraged to join this campaign.
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