As part of the celebration of World Food Day, this campaign
opens with a scientific conference on the theme: importance of IRON in food:
challenges and perspectives led by Pr. Innocent GOUADO, Head of the Laboratory
of Food Sciences and Nutrition of the University of Douala.
This conference is held in a context marked by the
prevalence of anemia among children under 5 years of age and women, which is an
indicator of malnutrition and a predictor of the future of families and the
nation. Indeed, anemia which is most often due to an insufficient intake of
IRON in the diet is a serious public health problem in Cameroon. According to
statistics, 6 out of 10 children under the age of 5 have anemia [1] In
addition, 40% of women aged 15 to 49 suffer from anemia [2].
This situation justifies the urgency of concerted action
involving all actors including the State, private sector, academics,
researchers, health professionals, the media, opinion leaders and civil society
to improve the nutritional situation of families in Cameroon.
Robert HELOU, Nestlé Cameroon Managing Director affirms that
«The campaign we are launching today inaugurates a series of activities that
Nestlé Cameroon will carry out in collaboration with all stakeholders in
nutrition, to help families in Cameroon consume iron-rich foods. Through it’s
MAGGI seasoning, NIDO milk, CERELAC infant cereal, all enriched with IRON,
Nestlé is making its contribution to improving the quality of life for all.
But only concerted action involving all actors will make it
possible to effectively combat iron deficiency anemia in Cameroon».
Echoing Nestlé's purpose, which is based on the belief that
we unlock the power of food, to improve the quality of life for everyone, today
and for generations to come, Nestlé is certainly positioning itself as a major
player in promoting healthy, affordable, accessible and sustainable food in
Cameroon.
[1] 26% in the mild form, 29% in the moderate form and 2% in
the severe form. Cf. EDS-MICS 2018, p.36
[2] 22% in the mild form, 17% in the moderate form and 1% in
the severe form. See EDS-MICS 2018, p. 37
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