RSD Institute
Assessment Of The Implementation Of The Changing Diabetes In Children (Cdic) Programme In Cameroon (WHO Global NCD Platform Young Researchers Programme)
Multistakeholder Collaboration
07 May 2024
Country Stories
Cameroon aims for systemic change for healthy generations
Cameroon
World Diabetes Foundation, RSD Institute | 08 Jul 2023
The intervention, called Scaling up healthy nutrition intervention in adolescents and pregnancy (WDF22-1902) aims to accelerate the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through a holistic multi-sectoral approach.
As primary prevention efforts need a long-term perspective and a strong partnership framework to make an impact, the project brought Cameroonian municipalities on board as active partners and advocates for institutional change supporting the NCD agenda.
The main goal of this collaborative effort is to roll out an innovative multi-setting nutritional intervention by creating health-promoting environments for adolescents and pregnant women. This is also the first attempt to operationalize WDF’s new approach to primary prevention which prioritises context-relevant interventions.
'It is a much more ambitious project because of its comprehensive approach to prevention', explains Elsa Morandat, Senior Programme Manager at WDF.
'Previous projects focused on schools only – now, we aim for multi-setting interventions in schools, health facilities and at a community level. We need to embrace a holistic approach considering all levels to ensure the potential impact on people’s wellbeing.'
With this common purpose, civil society, the government, health care providers, academic institutions, and other partners are now collaborating to foster an environment at a systemic level that supports such interventions in school and health facility settings.
The project builds on the success of a previous programme, Early NCD Prevention in Cameroon Schools (WDF16-1434), which aimed to improve secondary school students' dietary habits and physical activity.
