N.C.D Expo Held to Educate Children on Healthy Diet

Health issues such as obesity among schoolchildren were among the main topics dealt with at a non-communicable disease expo today in Belmopan. The event was held to educate children and their parents and teachers on healthy diets and the risks that unhealthy foods can cause in children as they grow older. Among the key speakers today were Director of Public Health and Wellness. Doctor Melissa Musa and Deputy Chief Education Officer, Cecilia Smith who spoke on what the Ministry of Education is doing as a partner in the effort.

Melissa Diaz-Musa

Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director, Public Health and Wellness

“Non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and including childhood obesity have become some of our most significant public health issues that we face today. According to data obtained by Global Health Survey, approximately thirty-five percent of adolescents between the ages of thirteen and fifteen years of age were found to be overweight or obese. Belizeans face several nutritional challenges, including a high intake of fatty and friend foods, high intake of sugary and salty foods, unbalanced diets, low fruit and vegetable consumption and limited physical activity. These have all contributed to the growing number of persons developing NCDs.”

Cecilia Smith

Cecilia Smith, Deputy Chief Education Officer, Ministry of Education

“Not only have we updated and revised our curriculum to make sure that our teachers are able to address these very critical messages in the lessons that they teach. We are also actively monitoring a group of schools, starting in Belize City, with the support of the Ministry of Health and Wellness to monitor the gradual ban on sweet and sugary beverages and foods in those schools, because we understand how critically important it is to start from the very youngest of our population.”