Cameroon: School Nutrition Programme Shows Strong Results
A school-based nutrition and health education programme, evaluated this May 28, 2026 in Yaoundé, has recorded significant improvements in students’ knowledge and behaviour, according to evaluation findings and programme data presented during a session led by the Ministry of Secondary Education in collaboration with the Research and Sustainable Development Institute (RSD Institute). The review assessed […]
The review assessed implementation and early impact of the initiative aimed at integrating nutrition education into secondary schools to promote healthier diets and regular physical activity among adolescents. The Minister of Secondary Education, Prof. Nalova Lyonga, called for the expansion of healthy school canteens, student cash wallet systems, and school gardens to strengthen nutrition outcomes nationwide.
Evaluation findings presented show a 56% increase in overall nutrition knowledge among students, alongside improved practical skills such as reading food labels, identifying misleading nutrition information, and discussing healthy eating at home.
Programme data presented indicate that the initiative has reached over 1.1 million adolescents, trained thousands of school staff and food vendors, sensitised hundreds of thousands of parents and 2,828 schools touched nationwide.
School administrators also shared field feedback, including the principal of GBHS Foumbot, who noted that nutrition and healthy living messages are regularly integrated into school gatherings.
Participants at the evaluation session underscored the importance of continued coordination and further strengthening of implementation as the programme progresses.
Egoh Yvonne (Intern)