On the occasion of World Health Day, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSANTE), in partnership with Nestlé Cameroon, on Thursday April 9 launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness, preventing, and educating communities about anaemia a major public health concern in Cameroon. The launching ceremony in Douala presided by the Littoral regional delegate of Public health Dr Ngo’o Mebe Saurel According to the director of family health in the Ministry of public health Dr Ebongzo Zacheus anaemia affects about 6 out of 10 children under the age of five and nearly 4 out of 10 women aged 15 to 49 in Cameroon He mentioned tha the condition is mainly linked to iron deficiency, although other factors, such as malaria and insufficient dietary diversity also contribute.“Anaemia can lead to chronic fatigue, contribute to growth delays in children, and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. It also has long-term impacts on the health and socio-economic development of families” Dr Ebongzo Zacheus indicated.The campaign is part of the MINSANTE and Nestlé Cameroon partnership, which seeks to sustainably improve health and nutrition indicators, with a strong emphasis on preventing nutritional deficiencies.The initiative begins with a pilot phase in Douala, in the Bonassama Health District, selected as the starting point for the first field activities. During the launching ceremony, the regional delegate of public health Ngo’o Mebe Saurel said the programme will feature community-based nutrition education sessions led by health professionals, along with simple, practical messages, highlighting the importance of iron-rich foods. He added that there will also be screening for anaemia, particularly among groups considered most at risk namely children under five, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women. Alongside the field activities, he went on, a digital campaign will be broadcast through the Ministry’s official platforms.
The goal is to reach a larger audience and ensure that prevention messages continue beyond the local pilot area.Described as a model of cooperation and a public–private partnership, the campaign highlights nutrition education, capacity building, and community engagement as key strategies in the fight against anaemia.“The fight against anaemia is a public health priority in Cameroon. Through this campaign, we strengthen community awareness and encourage the adoption of behaviours that support better nutrition and health,” said Dr Ngo’o Mebe Saurel said.For its part, Nestlé Cameroon underscored the importance of education in improving daily dietary choices.“At Nestlé, we believe nutrition education is essential to help individuals and families make informed choices about what they eat. This campaign provides mothers and guardians with practical advice to adopt healthier eating habits every day, benefiting the health and well-being of their families,” said Aboubacar Coulibaly General manager of Nestlé Cameroon.Through this campaign, the Ministry of Public Health and Nestlé Cameroon reaffirm their shared commitment to preventing nutritional deficiencies and improving the well-being of individuals and families across Cameroon.
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