The Cameroon National Nutrition Society recently convened its elective general assembly in Yaoundé, seven years after the last executive body was established. A key focus of the assembly was the valorisation of the nutrition profession in Cameroon, aiming to enhance recognition and respect for nutritionists nationwide. The society emphasized nurturing young nutritionists with opportunities for growth and development.
New Leadership
Nyangono Fernande Christine was elected President of the association for a three-year term. “I’m glad to have been elected President of this very important professional association,” she said. “We will work in collaboration to nurture young nutritionists.” As President, Christine will work closely with the executive bureau to promote the nutritional science profession in Cameroon.
Medoua Nama Gabriel, the 1st Vice President, acknowledged the challenges faced by the sector and emphasized the bureau’s objective to address some of these issues. “There are a lot of challenges faced in the sector, and our goal is to solve some of those issues,” he said.
Prof. Julius Oben, former Vice President of the Cameroon Nutritional Science Society, highlighted the vital role nutritionists play in individual well-being. He encouraged young nutritionists to seize opportunities for growth and development, emphasizing the importance of their work in Cameroon’s health sector.
Nutrition in Cameroon: Key Statistics
– Malnutrition Prevalence: 28.9% of children under five suffer from stunting, while 40.6% of women aged 15-49 are affected by anemia.
– Government Initiatives: The Inter-ministerial Committee for the Fight Against Malnutrition (CILM) coordinates nutrition efforts, with over 100 municipalities committing to allocate at least 1% of their budget to nutrition-sensitive activities.
– Progress Towards Global Targets: Cameroon is working to address growth retardation, although the absolute number of affected children remains high. The rate of overweight and obesity among children is increasing, from 6.7% in 2014 to 11% in 2018.
The Cameroon National Nutrition Society’s efforts to valorise the nutrition profession and nurture young nutritionists are crucial steps towards addressing the country’s nutrition challenges. By prioritizing nutrition education and capacity building, Cameroon can work towards achieving its nutrition goals and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
Tanjong Levis Agbor
