Transforming Food Safety in Cameroon: The Healthy Food Market Initiative
Since June 2023, Cameroon has embarked on a significant endeavor to enhance food safety through the implementation of the “Healthy Food Market” project in two pilot markets located in Douala: Ndogpassi and New Deido. This initiative aims to transform the local food trading environment by promoting hygiene and safety practices backed by scientific evidence, thereby encouraging behavioral change among traders.
The Importance of Food Safety
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), foodborne diseases represent a serious public health challenge worldwide. Unsafe food can lead to over 200 diseases, affecting an estimated 91 million individuals in the African Region alone, causing approximately 137,000 deaths each year. In Cameroon specifically, more than 200 food poisoning cases were documented in 2024, including incidents involving children. The findings from a 2021 pesticide residue monitoring mission revealed that 70% of samples contained non-compliant pesticides, underscoring the necessity for improved food handling and hygiene practices across the supply chain.
Goals of the Healthy Food Market Project
In response to these alarming statistics, the Healthy Food Market project was initiated to promote adherence to basic hygiene standards and curb foodborne diseases. Dr. Lusubilo Mwamakamba, WHO’s focal point for food safety in Africa, emphasizes that the goal is to achieve a sustainable improvement in food safety that harmonizes various sectors through a One Health approach to address interconnected risks.
Funding and Support
This initiative receives backing from Sweden, with WHO leading efforts to develop policies, guidelines, and training programs aimed at enhancing food safety awareness. Edouard Nya, head of the National Laboratory for Diagnostic Analysis of Agricultural Products and Inputs, indicates that crucial work is underway to integrate the principles of the Healthy Food Market project into public policy.
Community Involvement and Training
To foster community engagement, WHO has mobilized national partners through public-private partnerships. Notably, the Douala Autonomous Port contributed sanitation equipment, paving the way for improved hygiene practices in 26 city markets. Additionally, over 150 community leaders have received training focused on waste management, while more than 3,000 residents in the pilot markets have been educated on food safety issues.
Positive Changes in Market Practices
Traders have noted considerable improvements since the project’s initiation. As Zakariaou Mbaimoun, a butcher with two decades of experience at Ndogpassi market states, “Agents came several times and each time they raised awareness about the consequences of our bad practices. We became aware and started changing things.” With enhanced cleaning protocols and a focus on hygiene, market areas are now better organized, benefiting both sellers and consumers.
Long-term Impact and Future Objectives
At the project’s launch, three primary objectives were set: improving stakeholder coordination, enhancing education on safe food practices, and upgrading technical and sanitary infrastructure in markets. With initial progress made on the first two goals, the upcoming focus will be on infrastructure improvements beginning in 2026. Dr. Danièle Simnoue Nem, WHO Cameroon Nutrition and Food Safety Officer, highlights that food safety is part of WHO’s core mission, paralleling vaccination and epidemic control efforts.
Infrastructure Improvements and Community Health
Future initiatives include providing clean drinking water and better sanitation facilities, thereby significantly enhancing market hygiene and reducing the prevalence of diarrheal diseases. Fidéline Ndewege Djeme, Deputy Director of Hygiene and Sanitation, notes that such improvements will particularly benefit vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Conclusion: A Safer Market for Everyone
The Healthy Food Market project is a pivotal step towards enhancing food safety in Cameroon. Traders are becoming more mindful of hygiene practices, which is reassuring customers and creating a safer market environment overall. As the project progresses, both the community and stakeholders remain committed to fostering safe and nutritious food production and consumption practices.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Cameroon.
