My body, my health: my wealth
Advocating for healthier environments to reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases
UNICEF, supported by AstraZeneca's Youth Health Programme, is working to prevent noncommunicable diseases and to enable young people to live healthier. The My body, my health: my wealth campaign led by youth is advocating for a food environment that supports healthy choices.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 70 per cent of deaths worldwide and are the leading cause of death and disability in South Africa. But NCDs can be largely prevented. Through keeping a healthier lifestyle, by eating nutritious food, drinking safe water, engaging in regular physical activity and managing one’s mental wellbeing, the risk of developing NCDs drops dramatically - and quality of life can significantly improve.
NCDs include a range of conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke and hypertension. In many cases, people are not aware that they are living with these health issues and thus don’t access the care and treatment that they need.
Some alarming statistics for South Africa include:
- 13 per cent of children under 5 years are overweight and 27 per cent are stunted
- 31 per cent of women and nearly 10 per cent of men aged 15-19 years are overweight or obese2
- Only 29 per cent of young people engage in moderate physical activity1
- The country experiences the triple burden of malnutrition with 27% of children under 5 years classified as stunted and 2% of this group affected by wasting 2. Meanwhile micronutrient deficiencies such as anaemia affects 31% of females (aged 15 to 49 years)
- 4.2 million South Africans are living with diabetes, according to 2021 estimates from the International Diabetes Federation
1. UNICEF. 2022 Summary Report: Baseline information on diet and physical activity amongst youths and adolescents for non-communicable disease prevention in South Africa
2. https://globalnutritionreport.org/resources/nutrition-profiles/africa/southern-africa/south-africa/
Urgent action is needed
A five-year strategic plan (2022 - 2027) to prevent and control NCDs has been developed and needs action. UNICEF Youth Volunteer Clubs are doing just that through the second phase of their campaign: ‘My body, my health: my wealth’.
UNICEF produced a study to better understand diet and physical activity trends among adolescents and youth. This evidence is used as the basis for the campaign.
This campaign is rooted in youth participation through the co-creation of campaign elements, activities and advocacy initiatives. At a national level, knowledge and awareness is being improved using digital and social media tools, while on the ground initiatives include advocating for affordable nutritious food on campus, safe drinking water, increased safety for physical activity on campus, and improved mental health support structures.
The campaign directly supports government objectives to prevent NCDs and is complemented by UNICEF’s work with civil society partners on advocating for improved regulations related to restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods and clearer and more transparent front of package labelling.
Small changes are powerful
The local environment can make healthy living choices difficult but, there are ways in which we can improve our health to help prevent NCDs.
- Plan and pack: be prepared for the day with healthy snacks like fresh or dried fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, and a bottle of water. This will help you make better food choices and save you money!
- Focus on whole foods: try to choose food that is as close to its natural state as possible. The less processed your food is, the more likely it is to be healthy, with reduced sugar, salt and saturated fats.
- Keep moving: try to find opportunities during the day when you can move. Walk when you can (so long as it is safe), dance to your favourite song, and remember, even household chores count as moving!
- Try new recipes: experiment with beans, legumes, whole grain foods and other healthy ingredients. It will stimulate your creativity and taste buds!
- Breathe and manage stress: exercise, chat with friends, and get enough sleep to help process and manage difficult times. Find what works for you and proactively take care of your mental health.
- Add your voice: join the growing number of people in South Africa who are demanding healthy, affordable food that is honestly marketed.
- Inform yourself: Learn more about what healthy foods are recommended through the food-based dietary guidelines.
The ‘My Body, My Health: My Wealth’ campaign supports the 2022 ‘National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases’ led by the National Department of Health.
