The 3rd edition of the Nutrition Expo officially opened on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, organized in the lead-up to the 46th World Food Day.Running through October 18, this year’s event is held under the theme:”From Young Girl to Working Woman: Nutrition at the Heart of Hormonal Health.”Through interactive discussions and exhibition stands, healthcare professionals aim to raise public awareness about the decisive role a balanced diet plays in preventing chronic diseases and safeguarding women’s overall well-being.The opening ceremony was presided over by Nicoline Ebune, Head of the Regional Development Division, representing the Governor of the Littoral Region. She was joined by:Charles Yopndoi, Regional Delegate of Public Health for the Littoral Region.Dr. Marie Solange Ndom Ebonguè, Cardiologist and Director of the Laquintinie Hospital in DoualaThe official launch featured a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, a guided tour of the exhibition stands, and an official group photography.Speaking at the event, Dr. Marie Solange Ndom Ebonguè highlighted the grave health consequences associated with poor nutrition, noting its direct link to cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and organ dysfunction affecting the liver and kidneys.”It is important to know that, according to the WHO, one in five deaths is attributed to poor nutrition. An unhealthy diet impacts every organ most notably through cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of mortality but it also affects the kidneys and liver, and contributes to diabetes. This is why this Nutrition Fair is so valuable: it offers an opportunity to relearn how to eat well,”stated Dr. Ndom Ebonguè.
She emphasized that adopting a balanced diet is not merely a matter of financial resources, but of everyday personal choices knowing what to eat,when to eat, and in what quantities.”Prevention is our primary weapon, because 80% of chronic diseases are linked to poor diet, alcohol, tobacco, and a lack of physical activity. This shows that every individual holds the key to their own health—hence the concept: ‘Health for all, and health through all,’” she added.Focusing on the theme of this year’s expo, nutritionist Nathalie Kamdem addressed common misconceptions surrounding women’s dietary needs. She argued that nutrition for women should not be automatically equated with restrictive weight-loss diets, but rather viewed as essential fuel for bodily harmony.”When we talk about nutrition for women, people often assume we’re talking about dieting. It’s important to understand that food is the body’s fuel, and that eating well directly impacts hormonal health,” Kamdem explained.
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