The Reconciliation and Development Association (Reconciliation and Development Association (RADA)) has led a major national symposium in Yaoundé focused on tackling the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with nutrition placed at the center of policy discussions.
Held under the high patronage of Cameroon’s prime minister, the two-day event brought together senior government officials, researchers, civil society organizations, and international partners to confront what organizers described as a rapidly escalating public health and development challenge.
Cross Section of Participants.Throughout the discussions, experts warned that Cameroon is experiencing a double burden of disease, where infectious illnesses remain significant while NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers, and hypertension are rising sharply. According to figures presented during the symposium, NCDs are now responsible for around 43% of deaths in the country.
Speakers repeatedly linked this trend to changing dietary habits, particularly the increased consumption of ultra-processed foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. They argued that these shifts have been driven by urbanization, changing lifestyles, and aggressive marketing of packaged food products.
The World Health Organization (World Health Organization) was frequently cited during the sessions, with participants noting that since 2016 unhealthy diets have become the leading global risk factor for NCDs, overtaking tobacco use.
Dr. Magaran Monzon Bagayako, the country director of the WHO Cameroon, stressed the importance of regulatory tools in protecting public health. According to him, the front of package warning labels and marketing restriction regulation strategy is a vital tool for consumers to be aware of what they consume.”
He further reaffirmed the World Health Organization’s commitment to supporting national stakeholders in addressing the rising burden of NCDs in Cameroon, noting that the WHO stands by the government in its efforts to regulate unhealthy food products through taxation measures and front-of-pack warning labeling.
The symposium placed strong emphasis on policy responses, particularly the introduction of front-of-pack warning labels and taxation measures on sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods. Delegates argued that clearer labeling would help consumers make informed choices, while fiscal measures could reduce consumption of harmful products and generate revenue for public health systems.
Cross Section of RADA Officials, Others.There was also concern raised about the pace of regulatory progress, with several contributors stressing the need for Cameroon to finalize its nutrient profile model, which would guide the classification and regulation of packaged foods. Civil society actors and technical partners argued that delays in policy implementation were limiting the country’s ability to respond effectively to rising obesity and diet-related disease.
Childhood nutrition emerged as a particularly urgent issue during the symposium. Researchers presented evidence indicating a steady increase in overweight and obesity among children, especially in urban areas. They attributed this to the growing availability of inexpensive ultra-processed foods and increasing exposure of children to targeted food marketing.
RADA CEO Captured Amongst Observant Participants.Speakers also raised broader concerns about the influence of commercial interests on food policy, warning that public health decision-making must remain independent and guided by scientific evidence. Some participants argued that stronger safeguards are needed to ensure that health regulations are not delayed or weakened by industry pressure.
The event also highlighted the importance of coordinated government action across multiple sectors, including health, finance, trade, and industry. Officials from the Ministry of Public Health were praised by organizers for their role in advancing national strategies aimed at promoting healthier diets and strengthening NCD prevention.
Ferdinant Sonyuy Mbiydzenyuy, RADA CEO.Ferdinant Sonyuy Mbiydzenyuy, founder and chief executive officer of RADA, said the rise in diet-related disease should be understood not only as a health challenge but also as a threat to national development. He warned that without urgent intervention, Cameroon could face rising healthcare costs and long-term economic strain.
He also called for stronger public awareness, arguing that citizens should be empowered to understand the health risks associated with modern dietary patterns. “What is sweet in the mouth is not often healthy to the body,” he said, urging greater attention to prevention.
RADA, Officials and Participants Immortalize Event.International partners, including the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (Global Health Advocacy Incubator), Resolve to Save Lives (Resolve to Save Lives), and the Cameroon NCD Alliance (Cameroon NCD Alliance), supported the discussions, reinforcing calls for evidence-based nutrition policies such as marketing restrictions, food reformulation targets, and health-focused taxation.
The symposium wrapped up with broad agreement that Cameroon must accelerate its national response to NCDs through stronger regulation, improved public education, and sustained multisectoral collaboration. Organizers described the event as a key step towards shaping a national policy roadmap for 2026 and beyond, aimed at reducing the burden of diet-related diseases and improving long-term public health outcomes.
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