Day of the African Child: Focusing On Diversified Nutrition

Mothers and caregivers in Douala have been encouraged to embrace food diversification as a key strategy for preventing malnutrition and ensuring healthy child development. The message was delivered during an awareness and culinary demonstration session organized at the Douala General Hospital in commemoration of International Children's Day on June 18, 2026. The event brought together healthcare professionals and parents to discuss the importance of proper feeding practices for children, particularly between the ages of six months and two years. Mekang Mengome, Head Nurse at the Paediatric Unit, explained that while many children are fed regularly, they often do not receive the variety of nutrients required for healthy growth and development. The senior paediatric nurse added that many mothers are surprised when their children are diagnosed with malnutrition despite being fed daily. According to her, the problem often lies in the lack of dietary diversity. "Some parents believe they are feeding their children well, but the meals provided are often made up of foods from the same category. Children need a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients for proper growth", she said. To address this challenge, the hospital organized practical culinary demonstrations using locally available food products. Participants were shown how to prepare nutritious meals using ingredients commonly found in local markets, including cocoyam, cassava, sweet potatoes, maize, groundnuts, fish, crayfish, vegetables, and red palm oil. Dr Akazong Adjahoung, Chief of Service Paediatric Unit at the Douala General Hospital, stressed that a child's diet should contain all major food groups, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are essential fo...