The number of people suffering from NCDs, such as cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and cancer, is increasing rapidly, and the World Health Organization (WHO) cites that obesity is now prevalent in low and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings.
As the world’s leading Nutrition, Health and Wellness company, Nestlé has pledged to promote healthy diets and lifestyles. This is one of Nestlé’s 35 commitments that cover nutrition, water, rural development, environmental sustainability and compliance, which it aims to fulfil by 2020 or earlier.
“Nestlé wants to be part of the solution in the fight against NCDs. We are convinced that only multi-stakeholder action can lead to behaviour change that will reverse the trend of this silent epidemic”, said Richard Dongue, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Manager at Nestlé Cameroon.
Tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and harmful use of alcohol increase the risk of most NCDs. Coordinated sensitization and education campaigns can lead to major improvements in terms of lifestyles and diets.
Isabelle Makota, Regional Delegate for Women Affairs and Family Promotion, stated, “This is the kind of action that we expect from companies like Nestlé. Women are at the forefront of the fight against NCDs as they take care of the family’s nutrition. It is therefore crucial that we educate them on good nutrition practices”.
This activity is part of the joint action plan between Nestlé Cameroon and the Ministry of Public Health. Throughout the year, the two organisations will lead a number of activities aimed at improving the health and wellness of Cameroonians.