Millions of people worldwide are facing a rising tide of heart disease and diabetes, even at younger ages and this has been attributed to poor diets. And while Africa and indeed Nigeria bears a significant burden of these illnesses, its voice has been largely absent in the global conversation.
At an introductory training on the concept of Planetary Health Diet held in Lagos for officials of the Federal and State Ministeries of Agriculture, Health and Environment, speakers say the advocacy aims to transform the way people eat towards achieving healthier planet and population.
Makoyawo Olayinka, a pediatrician is concerned about children’s poor health, growth and development due to poor meal planning.
She’s one of the speakers at this introductory training on ‘Planetary Health Diets,’ organized by Renevelyn Development Initiative and Food Justice.
Planetary Health Diets emphasize sustainable food systems that are both good for people and the planet, combating climate change while promoting healthier eating habits.
The training aims to mainstream these principles into Nigeria’s food system, from farming practices to public health policies.
For the participants, the training is quite impactful and represents a chance to rewrite the future of health in Nigeria.
With the alarming rise in non-communicable diseases, the need to change individual eating habits and transform the country’s entire food system from farm to table has become imperative.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
