By Amina Akenji
In a move aimed at promoting public health and increasing consumer awareness, the Reconciliation and Development Association (RADA) gathered journalists in Yaounde on the 13th of March 2025 for a vital training session on media advocacy for the Front-of-Package Warning Labelling (FOPWL) regulation in Cameroon. This regulation, which is yet to be fully formalized, seeks to revolutionize how packaged food products are presented to consumers in the country.
The primary goal of the proposed regulation is to provide clear, concise, and easily comprehensible information regarding the nutritional content and potential health risks associated with ultra-processed packaged foods. By emphasizing easy-to-read warning labels on food packaging, the FOPWL initiative seeks to empower consumers to make informed decisions about the foods they consume daily.
The significance of such a regulation cannot be overstated, especially in a country where non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, obesity, and cancer, are on the rise at an alarming rate. In fact, it is estimated that over 18,000 people die each year in Cameroon due to these diseases. These illnesses are often linked to unhealthy diets, particularly those high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats — ingredients prevalent in many ultra-processed food products.
The training session organized by RADA was designed to equip members of the press with the tools and knowledge necessary to advocate for this crucial regulation. Journalists were educated on how to effectively communicate the importance of FOPWL to the public, highlighting the potential benefits in curbing the rapid increase of NCDs and promoting healthier eating habits.
Experts present at the training emphasized that the introduction of the regulation is a critical step towards safeguarding the health of the nation. The CEO of RADA Ferdinant M. Sonyuy, in an interview outline the importance of this Front of package warning labels (FOPWL): “this initiative will be effective in educating and protecting the consumers, help industries in redormulating their products, thereby reduction of the consumption of harmful foods and improving overall public health. Thus the healthier we are, the better we are able to contribute to our development as a country for health is wealth ”
As Cameroon continues to grapple with the growing burden of NCDs, the call for the implementation of the FOPWL regulation has never been more urgent. Through this initiative, RADA hopes to not only influence policy but also encourage consumers to become more proactive about their health and wellness, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more informed nation.
The media’s role in this effort is crucial, as they are the messengers who can shape public opinion and drive the conversation forward. With greater media advocacy and awareness, the FOPWL regulation can become a game-changer in the fight against non-communicable diseases in Cameroon. One of the participants Akumbom Elvis Macathy a journalist at Ndefcam Radio promise to transmit the message of RADA as received to the appreciate authority so that the regulation of FOPWL be passed as fast as possible to ensure the safety of its citizens.