From November 5th to 8th, 2024, the Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN) joined the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) at regional meetings in Kilifi and Kiambu counties to tackle rising Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) across Kenya. Through capacity-building sessions, KELIN presented the current burden of non-communicable diseases in Kenya with a specific focus on unhealthy diets, particularly consumption of high levels of salt, sugar and fats as a risk factor.
In line with The Kenya National NCDs Strategic Plan 2022–2026 which emphasizes on the reduction of NCD risk factors, NCCK, in partnership with KELIN, are advocating for evidence-based policies to safeguard the health of all Kenyans, especially children who are particularly vulnerable to the risk of unhealthy diets.
During these regional forums, KELIN presented proposed the following policy frameworks and measures to reduce this burden.
- Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPL): KELIN underscored the need for warning labels on processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, enabling families to make informed dietary choices.
- Nutrient Profile Model: Advocacy around an evidence-based nutrient profile model was highlighted, designed to categorize foods based on their health risks.
- Marketing Restrictions: KELIN advocated for regulations on marketing unhealthy foods to children, citing research that links aggressive marketing to increased consumption of these foods among youth.
At the end of each forum, religious leaders mobilized in the two counties, released press statements urging the government to push for the enactment of these regulations. The leaders emphasized that a national commitment to food policy reforms could significantly reduce the burden of NCDs in Kenya, protecting future generations from preventable health issues.
KELIN continues to actively collaborate with partners and the Ministry of Health in developing these policies, for a healthier food environment.
Please see a related article here https://www.ncck.org/auto-draft-4/
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For more information, please contact.
Pauline Omoto
Program Officer, Health & Governance
Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN)
Kuwinda Lane, Karen C, off Langáta Road
Email: paulineomoto@kelinkenya.org
