Accra: Africa Catalyzing Action for Nutrition (AfriCAN) has initiated its Africa Day 2026 campaign with a focus on water, sanitation, and nutrition. The campaign, unveiled on social media, aligns with the African Union's theme of ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals outlined in Agenda 2063.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Francis Bruno Zotor, Executive Director of AfriCAN, emphasized the importance of the campaign in highlighting the connection between water, sanitation, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. He stressed that achieving the objectives of Agenda 2063 requires both personal and collective responsibility, as good nutrition, access to clean water, and safe sanitation practices are fundamental to healthy communities across Africa.
Prof Zotor noted that AfriCAN's 'Good Nutrition Starts with Me' Youth Initiative is actively engaging young people and media practitioners in Cameroon, The Gambia, and Ghana. This initiative is empowering the youth to promote healthy lifestyles, environmental cleanliness, and safe sanitation practices, thereby encouraging positive behavioral change and fostering nutrition-secure communities.
As part of the campaign, AfriCAN plans to conduct community clean-up exercises, school outreach programs, advocacy discussions on nutrition and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and promote home gardening and digital advocacy campaigns. These activities are designed to encourage healthier living and will be carried out until December 2026, coinciding with AfriCAN's fourth anniversary.
Mr Nana Kwame Addi Bekoe, Youth Coordinator for AfriCAN Ghana, urged public participation, especially among the youth. He encouraged simple actions such as cleaning surroundings, promoting hygiene and handwashing, educating families on healthy diets, and sharing campaign messages on social media. Mr Bekoe expressed gratitude to participants and supporters for their dedication to improving nutrition, sanitation, and environmental sustainability across Africa.