Nutrition: The CNDN wants to use social media as a tool against bad eating habits

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Senegal is launching a new battle against diet-related diseases. Faced with the rise in diabetes, obesity, overweight and other non-communicable diseases, the National Nutrition Development Council (CNDN) has chosen to invest in digital technology to raise awareness among the population and bring about a real change in eating habits.

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Through the national campaign “Sama Lekkiin Sama Wérgu Yaram” (My Health is My Best), the CNDN (National Nutrition and Health Council) aims to transform social media into tools for health prevention. This initiative is part of the Multisectoral Strategic Nutrition Plan (2024-2028), which prioritizes combating diseases related to poor diet as a public health objective. The goal is clear: to encourage Senegalese people to adopt healthier eating habits, particularly by reducing their consumption of sugar, salt, and fats in favor of a more balanced diet.

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Unlike traditional awareness campaigns, the CNDN is relying on a large-scale digital strategy. Social networks, digital platforms, online media, influencers, and content creators will be mobilized to disseminate prevention messages to different segments of the population.

Special attention will be paid to young people and women, who are considered key players in household food choices.

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At the forefront of this initiative, the executive secretary of the CNDN, Dr. Mbaye Sène, aims to make communication a cornerstone of Senegal's nutrition policy. Under his leadership, the institution is strengthening the coordination of multisectoral interventions to better prevent diet-related illnesses and sustainably improve the health of the population.

This campaign aims to create a citizen movement around nutrition. The CNDN's goal is to convince every Senegalese person that eating well is not just a personal choice, but a collective public health issue.

To achieve this, the institution calls for the mobilization of all stakeholders: public authorities, healthcare professionals, media, community organizations, content creators and citizens.

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