Nigerian Heart Foundation Celebrates World No Tobacco Day 2017

June 16th, 2017

The President Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF), Mrs Francesca Emanuel, stated that African countries are overwhelmed by the threats that tobacco industries poses to the Sustainable Development of all countries, including the health and socioeconomic well-being of citizens especially the young population. She made the statement at the event to mark the 2017 World-No-Tobacco Day on the 31st of May 2017 in Lagos.

The Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional office for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, urged African countries to implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco. Dr. Moeti’s message was read by Dr. Meimuna Esan of WHO Lagos office who also implored individuals to help make a sustainable tobacco – free world, either by quitting the habit or by never to use tobacco products.

The activities were organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), the Nigerian Heart Foundation, the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN) and Youth Action on Tobacco Control and Health (YATCH).

The event also featured student’s arts competition and exhibition. The artworks were submitted by students from eleven junior and senior secondary schools in Lagos. The best artwork attracted a bicycle as the prize and it was won by Lawal Ayobami a junior secondary school (JSS) student of Debiruss College Ajah, Lagos.

Photograph of the President of NHF Mrs Francesca Emanuel, Executive Director NHF, Dr. Kingsley K. Akinroye, Ambassador Ayo Olukanni of UNAN, Dr Mrs. Meimuna Esan of WHO and Mr.Seyi Soremekun of UNIC, Mr.Seye Omiyefa of YATCH and others with participating students of Lagos Junior and Senior Secondary Schools during the event marking the 2017 World-No-Tobacco Day in Lagos.

Meeting health authorities in the Gulf states

June 15th, 2017

Obesity and diabetes rates in the Arab Gulf area are among the highest in the world; a harsh climate, high income and a rapid nutrition transition all contribute to this alarming situation. Choices visited Kuwait and Qatar and discussed the options for NCD prevention actions with the health authorities. The proposal for a joint country-wide effort for labelling, education and promotion of physical activity was welcomed with high interest.

New Diet & Physical Activity Model

June 15th, 2017

You might remember that the WHO call in 2004 against NCDs included diet and physical activity. Many actions took place since then on diet and many addressed physical activity, but the combination is lagging behind. To generate significant impact, an approach that seeks the synergy between both is obvious. Choices International, in collaboration with the Dutch Knowledge Center for Sport, has therefore developed a model for the country-wide promotion of healthy food (including the use of the Choices logo) and mobilizing people for physical activity. Of course the actions and interventions in this model are evidence based, require a sustained effort and a broad stakeholder commitment. For more information, please contact the Choices Secretariat.