Yes to breastfeeding rights, No to all violence!

By Camlinknews Courtesy of WABA

“Breastfeeding is a key element in cultivating concern and respect for each other and the world we share”. Did you know that obstetric violence can also negatively affect breastfeeding practices? Current socio-medical practices often deny women their rights to proper antenatal care, labour and delivery practices, and standard postpartum care, which results in low breastfeeding rates. Pregnancy, giving birth, and breastfeeding are all part of the sexual and reproductive cycle and thus integral to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). In recognising the importance of SRHR on the International Day of Action for Women’s Health, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and La Leche League International (LLLI) hope to engage change-makers at all levels to call for a global action to improve the rights of women and children by acknowledging breastfeeding to be fundamental in attaining the highest standards of health for mothers and children.

Breastfeeding is a key intervention that has the potential to improve survival, health, and well-being of the population both in the short and long term. Therefore, women need to be given the information and support to breastfeed successfully to enable them to make informed choices and act upon them. Information on the benefits of breastfeeding, as well as the risks of artificial feeding, should be made available to women and their families so that they can make the best possible choices. Unnecessary separation of mother and baby, and medical procedures (such as drugs taken during delivery that impede breastfeeding) should be avoided. Clinical and community breastfeeding resources for support and problem-solving should be made available to all new mothers. The White Ribbon Alliance states that Respectful Maternity Care also leads to successful breastfeeding. The respect and dignity afforded to a woman during pregnancy and childbirth is critical in ensuring that she feels supported during the first hours and days after giving birth when, the breastfeeding relationship is being established. When a woman gives birth in a respectful, supportive environment, where her rights are protected and her dignity is preserved, she is empowered to take care of her baby and breastfeed(1). Consistent support and skilled assistance for the mother-baby dyad throughout the continuum of care empower women to have a more satisfying and effective breastfeeding experience(2). The support should be present both within healthcare systems and in the communities. Today’s global economic and labour conditions are changing rapidly, and have led to improvements in women’s participation in the economy. However, the benefits of paid labour do not reach all women and families equally. If women are to breastfeed as recommended, society bears the responsibility to support them. Specifically, this social responsibility means that protection, respect, facilitation, and fulfilment of these rights require universal recognition of the importance of breastfeeding as a social function. This will be achieved by extending access to paid maternity and parental leave, paid breastfeeding breaks, and family-friendly work environments. Breastfeeding is enhanced by having consistent support from the baby’s father or the partner. Research shows that fathers not only have the capacity for care-giving, but that children also benefit directly from fathers’ involvement. Promundo’s MenCare campaign report states that involved and non-violent fatherhood allows girls and women to achieve their full potential and also makes men and families happier and healthier(3). By creating opportunities for equitable sharing of parental and domestic responsibilities, new pathways emerge for building gender equality at home, workplace, and society at large.

On this International Day of Action for Women’s Health, we call upon all conscientious citizens to work together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Collaboration toward this critically important goal will help ensure women’s sexual and reproductive health right to control their bodies, their sexualities, and their lives, free from coercion, discrimination and violence(4). http://whiteribbonalliance.org/opinions/respectful-maternity-care-can-lead-to-successful-breastfeeding/ http://waba.org.my/warm-chain/ https://sowf.men-care.org/ http://www.may28.org/

How to Improve Blood Circulation Naturally (Research Based)

By Jenny Hills - Food & Nutrition, Health

Having good blood circulation is essential to staying healthy. Improving your blood circulation helps your blood flow to all your vital organs, supplying them with needed oxygen and nutrients. You may need to improve your blood circulation if you frequently have cold feet and toes, swelling in your feet, pins and needles in your legs or arms, or get fatigued easily. Poor blood circulation could also be a cause of hair loss, dizziness, or headaches. There are a number of ways to improve blood flow in your body. For example, many foods help to stimulate circulation, keep the blood healthy, and prevent problems with your arteries. You can also boost blood circulation by exercising regularly, managing stress properly, and keeping yourself well hydrated. In this article, you will learn about the many lifestyle choices you can make to help improve blood circulation. Most of these natural remedies to improve blood flow are very easy to use and will boost your general health. What is Blood Circulation and Why It’s So Important Blood circulation in your body is regulated by your heart which is located to the left of your breastbone. According to Dr. James Beckerman on WebMD, your heart beats around 100,000 times a day and pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood. Blood flows through a series of arteries that feed your body’s tissues. Blood also removes waste products and promotes good health.1 Good circulation, therefore, is necessary to maintain good blood pressure, stabilize body core temperature, maintain pH levels, and keep all cells in your body healthy. Poor blood circulation can negatively affect every organ in your body. Usually, your will notice the effects of poor blood flow in your fingers and toes. However, poor circulation can cause dizziness, breathlessness, high blood pressure, chest pains, and varicose veins. What Affects Blood Circulation? There are several factors that can affect blood circulation. For example, The Ochsner Journal reports that aging and high blood pressure can cause “coronary insufficiency” – poor blood flow through the veins. Very often, aging and high blood pressure go hand-in-hand. As we age, our arteries lose some of their elasticity and become narrower. This causes an increase in blood pressure as the heart works harder to circulate blood through the body. Other factors that can affect blood circulation are being overweight, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol levels, and lack of physical exercise. These factors cause various cardiovascular problems and can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Therefore, it’s important to always be aware of the need to improve blood circulation in your body. This is one of the best ways to prevent heart problems as you grow older. How to Improve Blood Flow in Your Body? Here are some tips and suggestions that can make a big improvement to your blood flow and improve blood circulation: 1. Exercise Physical exercise will improve your circulation and make you feel better in general. Any physical activity that gets your heart pumping more blood is good for you. The American Heart Association recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week. They say that one of the biggest benefits of regular exercise is improved blood circulation which reduces your risk of heart disease.2 This will also help you control your weight, reduce cholesterol, and manage stress better – all factors that help to boost blood circulation even more. If you have had a sedentary lifestyle, it is recommended to become more active by walking more. Other activities to get yourself moving and improve blood flow are jogging, swimming, climbing stairs, or playing sports.3 2. Stretch A very simple way to improve blood circulation every day is to do stretching exercises. Regular stretching throughout the day is especially important if you have to sit at a desk all day for your work. Getting up from your seat and walking around can help you avoid the negative consequences of sitting too much. A study from 2016 on the connection between stretching and blood flow found that it benefits your cardiovascular system. The researchers found that stretching increased blood flow to tissues and organs in the body.4 3. Massage Massage can help reduce muscle inflammation and tension by increasing blood flow in the body. Inflammation can cause various serious health issues and massaging can help to release the buildup of toxins and increase blood circulation. Massaging your legs is also a great and easy way to improve leg circulation and get blood moving to your feet and toes. The journal Medical Science Monitor reported that massage boosts blood flow and can help to alleviate lower back pain. The effect of rubbing the skin increased skin temperature and enhanced blood flow to the massaged area.5 You can massage with essential oils diluted in a carrier oil. There are many great essential oils that improve blood circulation. For example, the journal Phytomedicine reported that rosemary oil improves blood circulation and alleviates pain.6 Also, a study from 2014 found that peppermint oil can help to boost blood flow to the scalp and promote hair growth naturally.7 If you are interested in learning more about essential oils you can find useful information in my e-book Magical Aromatherapy. This book will help you to discover the power of essential oils and the most effective ways to use them. 4. Enjoy a healthy diet Enjoying a healthy diet will not just boost your immune system, but it will also improve your vascular health. A healthy diet should consist of plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (found in fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocados). The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology published a study on the effect of green leafy vegetables on blood circulation. The researchers found that nitrates in vegetables help to improve blood flow and boost plasma nitrate levels.8 There are also foods that help to prevent clogged arteries. Garlic, oily fish, berries, spinach, green tea, and oats all have properties that help improve vascular health and increase blood flow. 5. Drink plenty of water One of the negative effects of dehydration is a reduction in blood flow. Drinking plenty of water is a great and cheap way to improve blood circulation naturally. The Journal of Physiology reported that a lack of water affects blood flow. Researchers found that during exercising, blood flow to muscles decreases significantly if a person is dehydrated.9 This can lead to headaches, muscles aches, and fatigue. Most experts recommend drinking 8-12 glasses of water a day. However, if you regularly exercise or live in a hot climate, you should increase your water intake to keep yourself properly hydrated. You should also watch your alcohol and caffeine intake as consuming too much can leave you dehydrated. 6. Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake To help keep your blood circulation operating normally, you should reduce the amount of caffeine or alcohol you consume. Although moderate amounts of caffeine can help to boost heart health, and even contribute to liver health, too much caffeine can have a negative effect on your circulation. Researchers have found that too much caffeine can affect cerebral blood flow. They reported in the journal Human Brain Mapping that regularly drinking excessive amounts of caffeine has a negative effect on blood supply to the brain. Too much caffeine also raises blood pressure and increases heart rate.10 Similar results were found when looking at the link between alcohol and blood circulation. A study from 2008 found that one glass of red wine can have a positive effect on the blood vessels and heart. However, although blood flow continued to increase after two drinks, the blood vessels can’t expand and this causes high blood pressure and an increased risk of developing heart disease.11 7. Drink green tea To help improve blood circulation and boost your heart health, drink green tea regularly. Green tea contains powerful antioxidants that protect your vascular system. The therapeutic properties of green tea also help to dilate your blood vessels, thus boosting blood circulation. Regularly drinking green tea has been found to have a preventative effect on cardiac problems developing. The journal Current Medicinal Chemistry reported that green tea has a beneficial effect on the blood. For example, the study found that consuming green tea regularly helped to increase blood flow in chronic smokers. Regularly consuming green tea also helped to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.12 For best results, drink 2-3 cups of green tea daily to help keep your blood circulation healthy. 8. Limit salt intake To help blood flow through the body and increase circulation, you should limit the amount of salt in your diet. We know that too much salt is linked to high blood pressure and heart disease, however, some studies have found that salt also directly affects blood flow. Dr. Jennifer Keogh on WebMD says that reducing salt in the diet has a positive effect on blood vessels. This helps to regulate blood flow properly and improves the health of blood vessels.13 Doctors recommend avoiding processed foods or looking for pre-prepared foods that are labeled “very low sodium.” You should also be careful of prepared sauces, bouillon cubes, and soy sauce as these generally contain high levels of salt. 9. Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo biloba is an herb that has been shown to boost circulation and keep your blood flowing through your veins. Ginkgo biloba also has an antioxidant effect on your cardiovascular system and brain function. In my e-book The Herbal Remedies Guide, I’ve already mentioned the ginkgo leaf as a remedy for several ailments. It is a versatile herb that strengthens memory and improves circulation. The University of Maryland reports that the way ginkgo biloba improves blood circulation is by opening up the blood vessels. This can help to prevent or reverse the effects of poor circulation in your legs.14 Other studies into the benefits of gingko biloba have found that it increases blood flow to the brain and can help treat the symptoms of dementia.15 10. Hydrotherapy Using hot water on your body can help to improve circulation, increase blood flow, and release tense muscles. Taking a warm bath with some essential oils helps you relax and allows oxygen to flow better through your body, thus benefiting your general health. Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky from Loma Linda University found that a warm bath of 30 minutes helps to improve blood circulation and reduce blood pressure.16 Other studies have found that sauna steam at 60°C for 15 minutes also helps to increase blood flow and improves cardiac function.17 While in a warm bath or sauna, you can use a body scrub to stimulate circulation. Try to inhale the steam which will help open your nasal passages and relieve congestion. This lets you breathe more easily which is another way to improve circulation naturally. 11. Use hot and cold treatment You can also use contrasting hot and cold treatments to help improve blood circulation. Hot and cold treatment for circulation is also called contrast hydrotherapy. You can use hot and cold contrast treatments to improve blood flow to your legs or arms. The journal Physical Therapy reported that contrast baths can help to stimulate blood flow. The study found that blood circulation was improved when patients immersed their limb for 3 minutes in a 40°C hot bath for 3 minutes then in 18°C water for 1 minute, followed by 40°C bath for 10 minutes.18 12. Elevate your legs If you have problems with poor blood circulation in your legs, you should keep them elevated as much as possible to improve blood flow. You should try to improve circulation in your legs if you have achiness, burning, or discomfort in your legs after walking, cramps at night, or tingling in your feet. The UC David Vascular Center recommends elevating your legs to instantly relieve pain and swelling from tired legs. You should keep your legs above the heart 3-4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time. If you have to sit for long periods of time and you can’t lie down, you should bend your legs several times during the day to increase blood circulation to your feet and toes.19 Elevating your legs as recommended above also helps to prevent deep vein thrombosis. 13. Manage stress levels Learning how to manage mental or emotional stress can have a positive effect on your blood circulation. Too much stress can play havoc with your cardiovascular system and can cause chest pains. The British Heart Journal found that blood flow is reduced when people are undergoing stress. This is because stress causes the blood vessels to constrict and reduce circulation.20 The University of Maryland reported that laughing helps to reduce stress and increase blood flow through the body.21 Apart from watching a funny movie to bring your stress levels down and boost blood circulation, there are many other natural ways to manage stress effectively. 14. Quit smoking Improving your vascular health and increasing blood circulation is one reason to quit smoking for good. Smoking damages your heart and also causes a buildup of plaque in your arteries which leads to poor circulation. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute warns that even second-hand smoke can be detrimental to your heart and cause vascular problems. Doctors recommend avoiding any kind of cigarette or pipe smoke to reduce the risk of dying from heart disease.22 15. Eat foods that stimulate blood flow You can also add foods to your diet that are known to have a positive effect on blood circulation. Here are some of the best foods that stimulate blood flow: Ginger. Ginger helps to stimulate circulation. The European Journal of Experimental Biology reported that ginger has a beneficial effect on the heart and helps to thin the blood. The researchers stated that “ginger stimulates blood circulation.”23 Dark chocolate. The antioxidant properties of dark chocolate may help to give your circulation a boost. The Journal of the American Heart Association said that dark chocolate helps blood vessels dilate and it improves the symptoms of peripheral artery disease (reduced blood flow due to a buildup of artery plaque).24 Garlic. Garlic helps to cleanse the blood and is a powerful antibiotic that has benefits for your heart. One study from 2004 found that regularly consuming garlic helps to increase blood flow to cells.25 Cayenne pepper. Capsaicin is the compound that gives cayenne pepper and chilies their spicy kick. The medicinal properties of capsaicin can be used to stimulate blood circulation. The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology reported that patches containing capsaicin can help to increase blood flow to the skin to help relieve pain.26 16. Deep breathing Deep breathing has many health benefits such as improving the flow of blood and lymph fluid, improving lung function, stimulating relaxation and creating an overall sense of well being. A study published in the Austrian Journal of Phisiotherapy found that ankle exercise combined with deep breathing improved blood flow velocity in the femoral vein.27 The femoral vein is located in the upper thigh and pelvic region and is one of the larger vessels in the venous system.

WORKING FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN CWAR

By James Achanyi- Fontem, camlink99@gmail.com

The issue of AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT focused on agriculture landscape in sub-Saharan Africa, rural Community and development, local sourcing, benefits and challenges with the role of government, private sectors and civil society. These issues were well rooted in the presentation made by Dr. Dorothy A. Effa(PhD) who is the Director in charge of Policy Planning Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ghanaian Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Common characteristics of Agriculture Landscape in Sub Saharan Africa, Dorothy A. Effa(PhD) said, shows that agriculture employs more than half of the total labour force according to a report the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2012. Smallholder farms constitute approximately 80% of all farms in sub Saharan Africa and employ about 175 million people directly farming-less than 2 hectares according to AGRA report in 2014. AGRICULTURE and RURAL DEVELOPMENT is mostly rain fed with joint and extended family farms, while livestock remains a key asset for the poorest, particularly in arid and semi-arid settings. On agriculture contribution to GDP, it is on the average 15% of total GDP,3 % in Botswana and South Africa and more than 50% in Chad for example. It is noted that the high contribution of the agricultural sector to GDP underlines the limited diversification of most African economies. Agriculture production and productivity in Sub Saharan Africa remains significantly lower than the global average. Agricultural growth has been underpinned by area expansion and African governments have increased their investment in agriculture and are involving the private sector. With this, the structure of agriculture production in sub Saharan Africa has radically changed in the last two decades and traditional farming systems are inevitably changing from polycultures to monocultures as many technical and institutional factors drive these changes.

The Challenges of Agric. Production include low yields, inadequate market information, unavailability of inputs on a timely basis or in the quantity required. There is also the lack of credit, risk management and price formation mechanisms. Seasonality of agricultural input requirements, spatial dispersion of farmers, poor transport infrastructure from farm to the marketing, institutional capacity for research and extension is weak as the weak farmers’ associations. To face these challenges, the different countries have to positive agricultural policies within the current global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since the 2003 Maputo Declaration, less than 20% of the countries have achieved their commitment. The Malabo Declaration of 2014 came to accelerate agricultural growth with the pledged to end hunger in Africa by 2025. In order for the Central and West Africa sub regions to achieve the SDGs, agriculture and rural development must be prioritized. According to the UN definition, rural development is a process of change, by which the efforts of the people themselves are united, those of government authorities to improve their economic, social and cultural conditions of communities in to the life of the nation and to enable them to contribute fully to national programs are a reality. Rural development is a strategy designed to improve the economic and social life of rural poor and it is a process, which aims at improving the wellbeing and self-realization of people living outside the urbanized areas through collective process. This builds on infrastructures, public service and communication to improve on the health, education and living conditions of the population.in order to generate employment through farming, storage and economic activities. Scientifically, it is believed that local sourcing can reduce poverty and improve food safety and security, where companies are offering their suppliers long-term contracts, competitive prices, and access to information, as well as investing in improving the livelihoods of the poor in developing countries Outsourcing relationships need to consider the economic, environmental and social effects in order to be sustainable. Company/contractor agreements must be reviewed in order to ensure that social responsibility aspects are appropriately managed. and rural-urban migration on the ascendancy, local sourcing can be used as a way to address high unemployment rate as well as generate total economic growth.

Nestle sourced 70% of raw materials locally from the region in 2015 and has plans to increase. Sourcing of raw materials sh0uld comply with responsible Sourcing guideline (RSG) criteria, with traceability and transparency throughout the supply chains. The challenges facing the sub region however include inability to supply quantity and quality, build the capacity and invest in research. The national governments are called upon to put in place the public infrastructure necessary for the efficient operation of the private sector, enacting and enforcing rules and regulations that create safe and predictable environment for private investors, establishing a regulatory role in land tenure, ensuring through land registration and enforceable contracts that land ownership is secure, establishing viable financing opportunities for agricultural enterprises and good governance and transparent public administration, macroeconomic discipline and stability, and political stability. The national governments should provide favourable incentive framework which provides farmers and processors with good incentives to adopt new and sustainable technologies and diversify production into higher value crops. Through policy and institutional reforms that encourage and support private investments in agricultural value chains, the governments can support mechanisms and processes designed to create and strengthen farmer organizations, create mechanism for media engagement to ensure appropriate messaging and as a means of awareness creation and promotion of best practices. The role of private sector Investments should be to ensure superior service delivery to the end consumer with the objective of maximizing service at an affordable price. Financial institutions (FIs) should play a key role in the agri-business sector, primarily on the credit front due to the priority sector lending requirement. They should be an integral component of the agri-system and finance should be available at each and every stage of the value chain in order to make the agri-system sustainable The role of private sector investments should include promotion of grading, branding, packaging, as well as Investing in research and development strategies, investing in smallholder agriculture -models that maximize benefits to smallholder farmers. Civil Society Organisations (CSO) considered as non-state actors have four vital functions which include planning, implementation, reform and accountability. CSO planning provides ideas, evidence and expertise, thereby participating in dialogue/consultations to determine priorities. This can be done through advocacy at all levels starting from district assembly planning sessions and using community radio story design strategies. CSOs should be considered as service providers extending best practices , supporting training and advocacy They should be involved in accountability, holding all partners accountable and promoting mutual accountability by setting indicators. It is understood that CSO constituencies have legitimate and accountable representation and resources should made available to support their operations.

Civil society should be allowed to access to platforms for ensuring planning and accountability at all levels and also within their organisations, variable capacity of all actors and therefore the need to build capacity of members. It is expected that all CSOs evolve from the grass roots to regional and national levels. This would facilitate having an apex for all the organisations. They should build more synergies among themselves, be more proactive, engaging and impactful. The above issues have been recognized at the regional level, and it is for this reason that the non-state actors guide for CAADP implementation was developed. In conclusion, we can say there is urgent need to address the production gap and enhance the adaptive capacity of Africa's agricultural landscapes, considering the rapidly growing population and changing climate. We should guarding against the expansion and encroachment of farm land by protecting smallholders against the impacts of climate change, and improving regional trade for increased agricultural productivity, through enhancing infrastructure, technologies. Business skills uplifted will create an enabling environment in the CWAR. On the other hand, agricultural and rural development in developing countries must be founded on higher productivity of small-scale farmers. A more efficient access to land, water, technology, financial resources and other institutions that support poor farmers is fundamental. Improvement of transport and communication infrastructure, storage facilities, crop processing technologies and marketing solutions are needed to face the new market environment. It is important to have a clear understanding of where public investment needs to be made in support of the private sector in agriculture and agro-processing. The rural environment is continuously changing, the development mode of thinking. This is also changing rural development policies which need systematic adaptations. Since we all know the problems, this is the time to stop talking and act for achieving SDGs by 2030.

CWAR STAKEHOLDER CONVENING 2016 TOOK PLACE IN ACCRA, GHANA

By James Achanyi Fontem, Email: camlink99@gmail.com

The Chief Executive Officer of Nestle Central and West Africa Region, Kais MARZOUKI chaired a stakeholder convening in Accra, Ghana on the 25th November, 2016 with approximately 35 participants attending. The participants were from Gabon, Senegal, Cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Benin and Ghana. The multi-national company brought together top level personalities from nutrition societies, nutrition and food safety, paediatrics association, dietetic associations, ministry of food and agriculture, lecturers of university, food and drug authority, GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition), Ministry of Education, Laboratory Analysts, Ministry of Trade, GIZ, Royal Netherland Embassy, FAO, Ministry of Economy and Investment Sustainability, OXFAM and Civil Society Organisations. Kais MARZOUKI told participants that his company has been aiming at creating shared value at all levels to improve on wellbeing of populations in the Central and West Africa region countries of their implantation. He added that their company operates on a policy guided and driven by purpose and shared values which enhance the quality of life of people and thereby contributing to a healthier future for all. For over 150 years, the company has been providing quality and safe nutrition through its over 2000 brands in 189 countries around the world. It has 436 companies implanted in85 countries. The regional head office in Accra, Ghana has existed since 1957. The recent meeting in Accra, Ghana was the second Stakeholders Convening in Central and West Africa. The head office is located in the vicinity of the Kotoka International Airport area and the working language is English. Nestle believes that for a company to be successful over the long term and create value for shareholders, it must create value for society. At company, this means creating superior, long-term value for shareholders by offering products and services that help people improve their nutrition, health and wellness.

To achieve this, Creating Shared Value (CSV) is the approach it is taking to the business as a whole. Besides nutrition, it is focusing on water and rural development, given their critical importance not only to business but also to the employees, farmers, suppliers, distributors and communities where they operate. CSV encourages business to create economic and social value simultaneously by focusing on the social issues that iy is uniquely capable of addressing. It builds on a strong base of performance in environmental sustainability and compliance, and recognizes the vital role of engaging and collaborating with other organisations.

In order to engage further in Creating Shared Value in the Central and West African region, Nestle decided to hold a second regional stakeholder convening in Accra, Ghana after the first held in Bonaberi=Douala, Cameroon. The purpose of this convening was to: Discuss and obtain feedback on its CWAR’s Creating Shared Value initiatives (progress made since previous convening) Understand stakeholder perceptions of CWAR’s performance on specific issues Stimulate fresh thinking / ideas on issues Understand opportunity and risk, both present and future, for particular issues Prioritise key actions on issues to take them into account in the company’s strategy. Invited stakeholders had expertise aligning with topics covered in Creating Shared Value strategy noted above, and an understanding of regional and/or local business environment. These stakeholders include, but were not limited to: Government organisations Non-governmental organisations International or multilateral organisations Academics and Industry associations It was hoped that participants saw the convening as an opportunity to engage constructively with Nestlé CWAR, and discuss key challenges, future direction and expectations while also identifying areas for developing and executing collaborative solutions. After accepting to participate in this stakeholder convening, participants were asked to complete a number of tasks prior to, during and after the event. Prior to the convening, external participants were asked to: oRead some background material relating to the business and Creating Shared Value oFill out a short online form to inform the convening’s content and logistics During the convening, participants were asked to: oProvide constructive yet candid feedback oEducate and openly challenge Nestlé oIdentify opportunities for improvement and potential collaboration After the convening, participants were asked to: •Provide any amendments to the meeting minutes for completeness and accuracy Expectations of the CWAR Convening by the participants were as follows: •Respond to any questions from stakeholders about content and logistics prior to the convening During the session, Nestlé was expected to: •Listen to and learn from feedback from stakeholders •Respond to concerns and recommendations After the session, the company: •Shared the main summary and the minutes of the meeting with stakeholders •Maintained open channels of communication with stakeholders Key discussion points, conclusions and outcomes were noted and circulated confidentially to all participants. Because Chatham House Rules1 were used during the convening, any content from the session were not attributed to the speakers. This report on the convening is expected to be used to inform further on Creating Shared Value strategy and communications. Themes handled by experts included: Nutrition education and meeting the SDG’s Developing rural communities (women empowerment / water & sanitation/ youth employment) Agriculture The Central and West Africa region is considered to have the fastest growing population expected to reach 441 Million by 2020. There is increased internet communication connectivity. Due to the fact that Nestle operates in a complex environment, cannot tackle issues alone, wants to be part of the solution it considers effective dialogue and collaboration as key for collaborative initiatives between private and public sectors, civil society, multilaterals and academia. Overall comments on 2014 feedback shows that in the area of Industrialization and investment strategy, there was increased use of locally sourced raw materials, support of landlocked countries and creation of more jobs opportunities. More effort in nutrition education and information tackled perception issues (salt, BMS) and help to build HCP knowledge in nutrition. In order to make progress, it all starts with listening to stakeholders, who make Constructive feedback, educate and challenge the company, give fresh and innovative thinking solutions through Identification of opportunities for improvement. During the shared value convening, Nestle listens and learns from the feedback before responding to r concerns and recommendations. It is expected to integrate key learning strategies into future action plans after identifying possible areas of collaboration.

CWAR STAKEHOLDER CONVENING 2016 HELD IN ACCRA, GHANA

By James Achanyi Fontem, Email: camlink99@gmail.com

The Chief Executive Officer of Nestle Central and West Africa Region, Kais MARZOUKI chaired a stakeholder convening in Accra, Ghana on the 25th November, 2016 with approximately 35 participants attending. The participants were from Gabon, Senegal, Cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Benin and Ghana. The multi-national company brought together top level personalities from nutrition societies, nutrition and food safety, paediatrics association, dietetic associations, ministry of food and agriculture, lecturers of university, food and drug authority, GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition), Ministry of Education, Laboratory Analysts, Ministry of Trade, GIZ, Royal Netherland Embassy, FAO, Ministry of Economy and Investment Sustainability, OXFAM and Civil Society Organisations. Kais MARZOUKI told participants that his company has been aiming at creating shared value at all levels to improve on wellbeing of populations in the Central and West Africa region countries of their implantation. He added that their company operates on a policy guided and driven by purpose and shared values which enhance the quality of life of people and thereby contributing to a healthier future for all. For over 150 years, the company has been providing quality and safe nutrition through its over 2000 brands in 189 countries around the world. It has 436 companies implanted in85 countries. The regional head office in Accra, Ghana has existed since 1957. The recent meeting in Accra, Ghana was the second Stakeholders Convening in Central and West Africa. The head office is located in the vicinity of the Kotoka International Airport area and the working language is English. Nestle believes that for a company to be successful over the long term and create value for shareholders, it must create value for society. At company, this means creating superior, long-term value for shareholders by offering products and services that help people improve their nutrition, health and wellness. To achieve this, Creating Shared Value (CSV) is the approach it is taking to the business as a whole. Besides nutrition, it is focusing on water and rural development, given their critical importance not only to business but also to the employees, farmers, suppliers, distributors and communities where they operate. CSV encourages business to create economic and social value simultaneously by focusing on the social issues that iy is uniquely capable of addressing. It builds on a strong base of performance in environmental sustainability and compliance, and recognizes the vital role of engaging and collaborating with other organisations.

In order to engage further in Creating Shared Value in the Central and West African region, Nestle decided to hold a second regional stakeholder convening in Accra, Ghana after the first held in Bonaberi=Douala, Cameroon. The purpose of this convening was to:  Discuss and obtain feedback on its CWAR’s Creating Shared Value initiatives (progress made since previous convening)  Understand stakeholder perceptions of CWAR’s performance on specific issues  Stimulate fresh thinking / ideas on issues  Understand opportunity and risk, both present and future, for particular issues  Prioritise key actions on issues to take them into account in the company’s strategy. Invited stakeholders had expertise aligning with topics covered in Creating Shared Value strategy noted above, and an understanding of regional and/or local business environment. These stakeholders include, but were not limited to:  Government organisations  Non-governmental organisations  International or multilateral organisations  Academics and  Industry associations It was hoped that participants saw the convening as an opportunity to engage constructively with Nestlé CWAR, and discuss key challenges, future direction and expectations while also identifying areas for developing and executing collaborative solutions. After accepting to participate in this stakeholder convening, participants were asked to complete a number of tasks prior to, during and after the event. Prior to the convening, external participants were asked to: o Read some background material relating to the business and Creating Shared Value o Fill out a short online form to inform the convening’s content and logistics During the convening, participants were asked to: o Provide constructive yet candid feedback o Educate and openly challenge Nestlé o Identify opportunities for improvement and potential collaboration After the convening, participants were asked to: • Provide any amendments to the meeting minutes for completeness and accuracy Expectations of the CWAR Convening by the participants were as follows: • Respond to any questions from stakeholders about content and logistics prior to the convening During the session, Nestlé was expected to: • Listen to and learn from feedback from stakeholders • Respond to concerns and recommendations After the session, the company was expected to: • Share the main summary and the minutes of the meeting with stakeholders • Maintain open channels of communication with stakeholders Key discussion points, conclusions and outcomes were noted and circulated confidentially to all participants. Because Chatham House Rules1 were used during the convening, any content from the session were not attributed to the speakers. This report on the convening is expected to be used to inform further on Creating Shared Value strategy and communications. Themes handled by experts included:  Nutrition education and meeting the SDG’s  Developing rural communities (women empowerment / water & sanitation/ youth employment)  Agriculture The Central and West Africa region is considered to have the fastest growing population expected to reach 441 Million by 2020. There is increased internet communication connectivity. Due to the fact that Nestle operates in a complex environment, cannot tackle issues alone, wants to be part of the solution it considers effective dialogue and collaboration as key for collaborative initiatives between private and public sectors, civil society, multilaterals and academia. Overall comments on 2014 feedback shows that in the area of Industrialization and investment strategy, there was increased use of locally sourced raw materials, support of landlocked countries and creation of more jobs opportunities. More effort in nutrition education and information tackled perception issues (salt, BMS) and help to build HCP knowledge in nutrition. In order to make progress, it all starts with listening to stakeholders, who make Constructive feedback, educate and challenge the company, give fresh and innovative thinking solutions through Identification of opportunities for improvement. During the shared value convening, Nestle listens and learns from the feedback before responding to r concerns and recommendations. It is expected to integrate key learning strategies into future action plans after identifying possible areas of collaboration.

FAO CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISOR FOR AFRICA SPEAKS ON SENSIBLE NUTRITION SYSTEM

By James Achanyi-fontem, camlink99@gmail.com

Chief Technical Advisor, Mawuli Sablah , spoke on Nutrition Mainstreaming in Africa during a shareholder value convening in Accra, Ghana on November 25, 2016 and attributed 45% of global deaths of infants to malnutrition of children in Africa. She said, global distribution of deaths among children less than 5 years of age caused in 2013 was due to diarrhoea (postnatal 9%), Pneumonia (neonatal 13%), Malaria 7%, Injuries 5%, Meningitis 2%, AIDS 2%, Measles 2% and other diseases 16%. She presented some forms of malnutrition in children including low-weight for height; argue malnutrition resulting to thinness of the child and chronic malnutrition resulting to stunting for age compared to normal growth. According to the FAO expert, the cycle of poverty starts from the first years of life. The first year launch the base of human capital. Feeding in the first 1000 days of a child is imperative for the development of the child’s apprenticeship for future gains. Socio-emotional competence predicts the success and productivity of the child and economic growth alone does not guarantee for eradication of chronic malnutrition of a child. Well-nourished children have well developed brains, while malnourished children have retarded growth. In Cameroon, 32.6 % of children below the age of 5 tears are stunted. The target of health projects around the world today is to eradicate malnutrition in all its forms. Mawuli Sablah informed participants at the sha4ed value convening that Africa countries face problems of malnutrition and need to invest intelligently to reverse the situation. To start with, the countries have to invest in production ingredients I their plantations, invest in transformation, storage, transport and the market chain.advertise and educate the populations on brands toencourage consumption of locally produced foods.

The challenges in the food chain focus on production, availability, access and use of the final products. Looking at this in detail, we realise that there is pressure on on natural resources, climate change, demograghic growth, rapid urbanisation and other factors influencing progress on human health and nutrition, exploitation fo natural resources, civil agitations and competition. All these problems made African countries not to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. As we enter the period of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), counties have to work to improve on issues related to stunting, wasting, over-weight, anemia, exclusive breastfeeding, adult over-weight, obesity and diabetes. Countries have to act on factors for the amelioration of nutritional values through education and health, improvement of food and farming systems, water and hygiene, encorgaing women’s autonomy and social protection which all surround nutrition. Initiatives and global engagements include reducing stunting to 10% and under-weight to 5% by 2025 according to the Malabo declaration. African leaders and decision makers have to change their ways of acting and invest more on nutrition. In conclusion, mutual contributions for improving on food and nutrition systems require financial resources, good governance, engagement, appropriation and leadership, multi-sectored involvement, research and exploitation of data results.

Cameroon Link Joins Madam Chantal Biya In “MY BET FOR 2030”

By Helen Ayamba, Email: camlink99@gmail.com

The Executive Director of Cameroon Link, James Achanyi-Fontem and the Administrative Assistant, Ms. Helen Ayamba, represented their Development and HumanitarianNGO during the three-day intense training organised by Synergies Africaines in Douala the economic capital of Cameroon to launch activities which will lead to eliminating HIV and AIDS by the year 2030. Synergies Africaines contre le SIDA et les souffrances is a PAN African Organisation of First Ladies led by Cameroon’s First Lady, Mrs. Chantal Biya. Mrs. Chantal Biya, the Founder of Synergies Africaines is also UNESCO Ambassador of Good Will and Special Ambassdor of UNAIDS.

Representing the First Lady at the launching of the training in Douala, His Excellency, Governor of Littoral region, Samuel Ivaha Diboa, told participants that after thirty years since the discovery of the first case of AIDS, it is still a public health threat all over the world. Despite the efforts made here and there and despite downward trend, the pandemic persists, Governor Ivaha Diboa emphasized.

The Policy Declaration of the United Nations Organisation on HIV/AIDS is a clarion call to the international community, which pushes Synergies Africaines and Cameroon Link to get engaged in the struggle for eliminating HIV by 2030. The Secretary General of Synergies Africaines, Jean Stephane Biatcha, told participants and top level authorities at the training that the 2015 deadline that had initially been setfor the eradicstion of AIDS is passed and no country on our planet has achieved the set objective. This is why the United Nations Organisation set the new deadline to eliminate AIDS by the year 2030. In order to achieve this new objective, all means must be put in place to fast-track the response. It is within this context that the training was one of exchanging experiences and testimonies to guide the participants in view of building action plans and strategies that work within their different communities. The campaign dubbed “MY BET FOR 2030” was decided by Mrs. Chantal Biya, Founding President of AFRICAN SYNERGY to express her will to join UNAIDS initiative, which is to FAST-track to end HIV and eradicate the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

The objectives of this new phase of activities are expected to: Ameliorate prevention of VIH Promote screening of HIV and other STI Create cells for caring for the HIV infected and affected with enterprises and communities. Focal Points have been trained and they now have to train community health relay agents across the country. “MY BET FOR 2030” initiative looks ambitious and promises to have durable impact within all communities in Cameroon. For a start, three cities of Cameroon were selected as the first targets and these are Douala in the Littoral Region, Bafoussam in the West Region and Bertoua in the East Region. The training in Douala brought together 125 Civil Society Leaders and the target is to train 300 in the three regions before the end of the first phase of Mrs. Chantal Biya’s action to fight against AIDS and eliminate suffering within African communities. Pr Joseph Pierre Fouda, Director of Yaoundé Central Hospital and an expert of Synergies Africaines made a presentation on the programme of “MY BET FOR 2030”, in which he said the initiative of Mrs. Chantal Biya, Special Ambassador of UNAIDS translates her will to render concrete the poliyical decision on HIV and AIDs prevention in Cameroon by accelerating the riposte of the epidemic by 2030 as endorsed during the conference organised in New York, USA in June 2016.

In effect, all stakeholders will have to accelerate sensitisation on screening for a better care of infected and affected persons through essential actions for meeting the international objective. Some indicators justify this decision, especially as the prevalence is 4.3% in Cameroon, but the screening rate remains low: 46% for women and 58% for men. There is also the weak knowledge on the means of prevention of HIV. Only 26% for women and 35% for men aged between 15 and 49 years have the knowledge and this has to be increased with multi-partnership which is more practical with only 29% for men and 6% for women. This can be improved with the vulgarisation of the actions of focal points through capacity building yraining on HIV and AIDS.

Adhesion to voluntary screening initiative needs to be accelerated, promotion of activities at the level of enterprises and facilitation of the 90-90-90 objective by 2020. The strategy put in place targets specific groups which include leaders of women’s associations, leaders of NGOs like Cameroon Link with activities that focus on HIV prevention and the promotion of wellbeing, focal points in municipal councils, and leaders of professional associations of young persons like bike riders, drivers, call-box operators, barbers and hair dressers with senior staff of enterprises. The outcome of this programme is expected to lead to the organisation of several mass sensitisation campaigns with the environment of focal points after the training in the first three regions. Thiswill see an increase in the number of persons who go for voluntary testing and return to receive their results.

Another key outcome would be to see at 10 enterprises in each of the regions engaged in the fight against HIV by putting in place structures for carrying out activities with their institutions. The trained focal points are expected to assist in orienting management and persons who are in need of assistance for HIV and AIDs care. It is understood that the participants of the training by Synergies Africaines now have the capacity in the areas of sensitisation, counselling and communication in matter related to HIV and AIDS. The participants also have the capacity of transmitting to their pairs the information and knowledge gathered during the training in Douala. The participants received all the necessary tools to organise activities on HIV prevention in their different areas of jurisdictions, especially as its concerns scouting for funds and materials to facilitate their work and orient persons in need of doing the HIV test and receiving their results. It is expected that the managers of companies and enterprises will put in place 50 more units in each region for management of activities related to HIV and AIDS. The outcomes would highlight impact in the enterprises for greater productivity and benefits. The take away message was that HIV and AIDS is like any chronic pathology. We should ameliorate the rate of persons who engage in doing their HIV test and orient any person in search of HIV and AIDs information and create HIV counselling cells within the communities.

Official Ceremony Videos Representative of Douala ity ouncil https://youtu.be/iJBt8ehghJA Oga animates training of Synergies fricaines in Douala https://youtu.be/Ia1dGn4wK8g Jean Stephane Biatcha addresses participants during HIV Prevention workshop in Douala https://youtu.be/iv-H6ZR6veg Jean Stephane Biatcha calls for involvement of women and youths in HIV prevention campaigns https://youtu.be/PbA_60rknP8 Governor Samuel Ivaha Diboa presides over ynergies Africaines IV prevention training in Douala https://youtu.be/HrTddidVFds Governor Samuel Ivaha Diboa invites all to join Mrs. Hantal Biya in her humanitarian mission https://youtu.be/jdicZDoY6m0 Suivez l'intégralité de la formation des leaders socioprofessionnels dans la lutte contre le Sida, qui s'est tenue à Douala du 27 au 29 septembre 2016. Jour 1 (Cérémonie de lancement et début des enseignements) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCCSgJTQZiA Jour 2 (Suite des enseignements) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fS47VNC4Ys Jour 3 (Fin des enseignements et remise des attestations) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx4L5HWM2Eo