insert_link Interview Transcripts Interview: High Sugar Consumption in Baby Foods Sparks Health Alarm Photo: NAFSAN Windhoek, Namibia — The Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia (NAFSAN) has raised urgent concerns about the rising consumption of sugar, particularly among young children, in an interview with director Ben Schernick. The issue, he says, goes beyond individual dietary preferences and has deep public health and economic implications. “One of our biggest concerns is the high level of sugar consumption, especially among children between the ages […] today15 December, 2025
insert_link Health / Medical Schernick Calls for Action on Sugar Consumption Ben Schernick, director of the Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia warns that the government’s 2010 VAT exemption on white and brown sugar is effectively encouraging harmful sugar consumption. He emphasizes the need for legislation, company monitoring, and public awareness campaigns to address rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other sugar-related health problems. today15 December, 2025
insert_link Uncategorized Malnutrition Crisis: Urgent Action Needed Ahead of Election and Festive Season As Namibia faces its election season followed by the festive period, the country must confront a pressing issue: malnutrition. From December this year to March next year, the peak season for malnutrition, it’s a time of heightened awareness and urgency, particularly in regions most affected by food insecurity. Ben Shernick, the Director of the Nutrition Alliance of Namibia: today13 November, 2024
insert_link Health / Medical For women with antenatal depression, micronutrients might help them and their babies – new study Getty Images By Julia J Rucklidge, University of Canterbury; Elena Moltchanova, University of Canterbury; Roger Mulder, University of Otago, and Siobhan A Campbell, University of Canterbury Antenatal depression affects 15% to 21% of pregnant women worldwide. It can influence birth outcomes and children’s development, as well as increase the risk of post-natal depression. Current treatments like therapy can be inaccessible and antidepressants can carry risks for developing […] today5 June, 2024
insert_link Namibia Japan invests millions in nutrition and resilience projects in Namibia Japan's government has allocated N$23.5 million for collaborative projects with the World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation in Namibia to enhance access to nutrition and protection services for vulnerable groups in the Omaheke, Khomas, and Kunene Regions. Another initiative, ‘Emergency response to enhance resilience and mitigate climate-induced impacts on livelihoods, food and nutrition security of the most vulnerable household in Namibia in the Kavango East, Kavango West […] today16 April, 2024
insert_link Africa Diet and nutrition: how well Tanzanians eat depends largely on where they live By Hannah Ameye, University of Bonn Cities are growing faster in sub-Saharan Africa than elsewhere, with an annual urban population growth rate of around 4% compared to the world average of 1.5%. Across the continent the urban share of the total population is projected to increase to 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2050. Urbanisation is associated with lifestyle changes such as less physical activity and less […] today9 April, 2024
insert_link Lifestyle Helping children eat healthier foods may begin with getting parents to do the same, research suggests Everyone agrees kids should eat healthy foods. But parents are often left out of that message. skynesher/E+ via Getty Images By Kelley Gullo Wight, Indiana University and Peggy Liu, University of Pittsburgh Most parents, educators and policymakers agree that children should eat healthy foods. However, our peer-reviewed paper suggests the strategy adults often use to achieve that can sometimes backfire. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix. We, along with […] today27 March, 2024
insert_link Health / Medical Are ultra-processed foods bad for you? | Decomplicated Studies show that the average British person consumes more than half of their calories from ultra-processed foods. Their consumption can cause extreme health issues and early deaths, putting a massive strain on national health services across the world. An evaluation of global dietary guidelines highlights the need for clearer warnings on what common foods fall under the ‘UPF' banner. today22 February, 2024
