In Nkwen market, Bamenda, a widow known as Mami Mankaa, described as a breadwinner in her family sells at her food stand; vegetables, spices, and various foodstuffs.
Her experience with obesity often draws unwelcome stares. Each day, she rises before dawn, braving exhaustion and joint pain to transport heavy bags of goods.
Reflecting on her challenges, Mami Mankaa shares her story.
"I visit the hospital frequently, which costs me a lot of money. The doctors warn me about my diabetes and the increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues".
"At times, the way people look at me makes me feel stigmatized, and I am not as productive as I used to be when I was slimmer" speaking to Civiclens.
Despite these obstacles, her primary objective is to help her children live a healthier life and avoid the struggles she faces.
Mami Mankaa is not alone in her battle against obesity and other NCDs, there are millions of people with lived experience of NCDs.
Information has it that in Cameroon, one in every four individuals is classified as obese, and nearly 50% of the population consumes more than three cans of sugar-sweetened beverages daily (RADA Landscape Analysis 2024).
Furthermore the same source discloses that over 182 people in Cameroon die each week due to unhealthy diets (IHME 2022).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 41 million deaths occur annually worldwide as a result of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
In response to this, the Reconciliation and Development Association (RADA-Cameroon) is advocating for the adoption of healthier food policies.
Following their initial training for media personalities on front-of-package warning labels, RADA organized a subsequent training on April 14, 2025, focused on one of the WHO's recommended interventions:
-increasing taxes on sugary drinks and unhealthy packaged foods.
This health tax aims to significantly reduce the consumption of harmful products, encouraging producers to reformulate their offerings and promote healthier alternatives.
Mbidzenyuy Ferdinand Sonyuy, CEO of RADA, emphasizes the urgency of these measures.
"We need to implement every possible strategy to limit the consumption of these products. When people are healthier, productivity increases, and healthcare costs decrease."
He clarifies that the proposed taxes are not intended to burden the population but rather to incentivize healthier dietary choices.
"We want to shift spending from unhealthy foods to those that promote well-being," he explains. "If we fail to act, the harmful ingredients that make foods sweet but dangerous will only continue to increase."
RADA's recent survey revealed a troubling uncertainty among many regarding the health risks of unhealthy diets.
"Unhealthy diets are a serious health concern, even more so than tobacco," Sonyuy states. "We must cultivate a culture of healthier eating in our communities and ensure that government plays a significant role in this transformation."
Mboh Promise, a reporter for the Guardian Post and a participant in the training, believes this policy comes at a crucial time.
"The policy is particularly relevant for those of us in Bamenda and the Northwest region, where many unhealthy products cross the border from Nigeria without proper regulation. Circulating this message will help the population understand the risks associated with sugary products."
As the struggle against obesity and NCDs continues in Cameroon, the stories of individuals like Mami Mankaa serve as a reminder of the real-life impact of health policies.
With concerted efforts from organizations like RADA and increased public awareness, there is hope for a healthier future for the people of Cameroon.
By Bamenjo Petronilla