By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), May 25, GNA – Africa Catalyzing Action for Nutrition (AfriCAN) has launched its Africa Day 2026 campaign under the theme: “Our Water, Our Environment, Our Responsibility.”
The campaign, launched on social media, commemorates Africa Day 2026, observed under the African Union theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
Professor Francis Bruno Zotor, Executive Director of AfriCAN, said the initiative aimed to highlight the critical link between water, sanitation, nutrition, environmental sustainability and healthy communities across Africa.
He said achieving the goals of Agenda 2063 required both individual and collective responsibility, noting that good nutrition, access to clean water, safe sanitation and healthy environments began with personal actions and community commitment.
“This campaign shines a spotlight on the critical connection between water, sanitation, nutrition, food systems, environmental sustainability and healthy communities across Africa,” he stated.
Prof Zotor stated that through AfriCAN’s “Good Nutrition Starts with Me” Youth Initiative, young people and media practitioners in Cameroon, The Gambia and Ghana were already demonstrating leadership in promoting healthy lifestyles, environmental cleanliness and safe sanitation practices.
He said the initiative empowered young people to champion nutrition-secure communities while encouraging positive behavioural change.
As part of the campaign, AfriCAN will undertake community clean-up exercises, school outreach programmes, advocacy discussions on nutrition and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), promotion of home gardening, and digital advocacy campaigns to encourage healthier living.
Prof Zotor said the campaign, which began on May 25, would run until December 2026, and coincides with AfriCAN’s fourth anniversary.
Mr Nana Kwame Addi Bekoe, Youth Coordinator for AfriCAN Ghana, called on the public, especially the youth, to actively participate by taking simple actions in their homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
He suggested activities such as cleaning surroundings, promoting hygiene and handwashing, educating families on healthy diets and sanitation, and sharing campaign messages on social media.
“May 25 marks the official launch, but this is a long-term campaign that will run through December 2026,” he said.
Mr Bekoe thanked participants and supporters for their commitment towards improving nutrition, sanitation and environmental sustainability across Africa.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah