In a decisive step toward curbing Cameroon’s rising Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) burden, the Reconciliation and Development Association (RADA), under the patronage of His Excellency, the Prime Minister, Head of Government, organized the First National Symposium and Round Table for Action on Chronic NCDs in Cameroon on April 8–9, 2026, at the Hilton Hotel, Yaoundé. This two-day high-level forum brought together government institutions, civil society actors, academia, parliament, and international partners around two transformative policy mechanisms: Front-of-Pack Warning Labelling (FoPWL), Marketing Restriction Regulation, and Fiscal policy (Taxation of sweetened beverages and ultra-processed products).
With 43% of deaths in Cameroon now attributed to NCDs as of 2022, the symposium marked a transition from evidence generation to policy endorsement. Opening the symposium, RADA’s CEO Ferdinant M. Sonyuy set a clear tone: this was not another platform for discussion, but a moment for decisive policy action, and Dr. Acha Evaristus reinforced the message: “As medical personnel, we understand the power of policies to prevent NCDs. Clinical practice alone is not enough. All we need is the pen of the policymakers.” Prof. Jean-Claude Mbanya’s keynote presentation established the urgency, stating: “Diet is the major driver,” and warning policymakers that “Cameroon has policies that are never implemented. If no action is taken from today’s discussions, the cost of inaction will exceed the cost of action. Every delay increases the burden.”
Presentations and high-level roundtables confirmed institutional readiness and outlined implementation pathways, including advancing mandatory FoPWL, enforcing the 2018 Food Safety Law, enacting marketing restrictions to protect children, and redesigning fiscal policies to prioritize health outcomes. Evidence showed strong public support for health taxes, with 51.1% of Cameroonians in favor and 94.1% supporting the allocation of revenue to public health. Gaps in consumer awareness underscored the need to pair taxation with FoPWL and marketing restrictions. Key recommendations included transitioning to health-driven taxes, applying a 50% ad valorem tax to ultra-processed products exceeding nutrient thresholds, eliminating discount mechanisms, and earmarking revenue for NCD prevention and Universal Health Coverage.
In closing, Mr. Sonyuy reaffirmed RADA’s commitment to implementation, while the Prime Minister’s Representative stated: “The results of this symposium will be prepared and submitted to the Minister of Public Health, who will return it to the Head of State.” The symposium established that Cameroon’s evidence phase is a work in progress, and as Prof. Mbanya stated, “Every delay increases the burden.”
Spotlight on Impact: Celebrating NCD Champions at the 1st National Symposium and Roundtable for Action on Chronic NCDs in Cameroon.
April 9, 2026, was not only the closing ceremony of the 1st National Symposium and Roundtable for Action but also a moment to recognize champions who have supported RADA’s advocacy for the adoption of Healthy Food Policies in Cameroon. During this ceremony, one of the most defining and memorable moments of the 1st National Symposium and Roundtable for Action on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Cameroon. This important segment was dedicated to recognizing outstanding individuals and institutions whose leadership, commitment, and contributions continue to shape Cameroon’s response to NCDs, particularly in policy development, research, advocacy, and health financing. The ceremony served not only as a moment of appreciation but also as a symbol of the collective effort required to combat the growing burden of NCDs in the country.
Among the distinguished honorees was Professor Jean Claude Mbanya, President of the Scientific Committee and chair of the Cameroon NCD Alliance. He was recognized for his exceptional contributions to scientific research and his enduring mentorship of young professionals in public health. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing evidence-based approaches to addressing NCDs in Cameroon. The inscription on his award read: “RADA, thank you for your enduring and endearing mentorship of young people in public health, and specifically for your active leadership in promoting Front-of-Package Warning Labelling, Marketing Restrictions, and Taxation of Unhealthy Food Products policies in Cameroon. Your continued and visible leadership will serve as an inspiring model for the region and the world.”
This recognition explained the vital role of research, data, and mentorship in shaping effective and sustainable public health interventions.
Also honored was the Honorable Njume Peter, Head of the Parliamentary Caucus for Health Financing. He was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to strengthening health financing systems and supporting key legislative reforms aimed at improving the population’s health outcomes. His efforts have played a critical role in advancing policies, including fiscal measures such as the taxation of unhealthy products, highlighting the importance of parliamentary engagement in public health advancement.
In recognition of high-level of government commitment, a prestigious award was presented to His Excellency, the Prime Minister, Head of Government. This award acknowledged the government’s leadership in promoting preventive health policies and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of NCDs in Cameroon. The inscription on the award was: “Thank you for your active leadership in promoting Front-of-Package Warning Labelling, Marketing Restrictions and Taxation of Unhealthy Food Products policies in Cameroon. Your continued and visible leadership will serve as an inspiring model for the region and the world.”
An additional award was presented to Mr. Ihyong III, the Representative of the Prime Minister at the symposium, in recognition of his active participation and support for the initiative. His award carried a similar message of appreciation:
“Thank you for your active leadership in promoting Front-of-Package Warning Labelling, Marketing Restrictions and Taxation of Unhealthy Food Products policies in Cameroon. Your continued and visible leadership will serve as an inspiring model for the region and the world.”
In addition, the symposium recognized the invaluable contribution of international partners through an award presented to Nicole Ide, representing Resolve to Save Lives. The recognition reflected the organization’s strong technical and financial support, via global leadership in advancing public health interventions in Cameroon. The inscription on the award read:“Thank you for your strong leadership, commitment, and support for the attainment of Front-of-Package Warning Labelling and Marketing Restrictions in Cameroon, advancing public health to save lives. Your leadership will continue to serve as an inspiring model to the world, and we are grateful.”
Overall, the award ceremony served as both recognition and motivation. By honoring leaders across academia, government, and international organizations, the symposium reinforced the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing NCDs.
Beyond celebrating individual achievements, the ceremony highlighted a shared national and global commitment to advancing effective policies, strengthening health systems, and promoting healthier environments. It stood as a powerful reminder that sustained leadership, strong partnerships, and bold action are essential to building a healthier future for Cameroon.
By: RADA’s Communication Team
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