Participation of ATIBT in a CIAN meeting on health issues

ATIBT has established a link with the Health Commission of the French Investors’ Council in Africa (CIAN), which met on 14 September, on the theme: « Companies facing the rise of noncommunicable diseases in Africa« . Benoit Jobbé-Duval presented some aspects concerning the work of the forestry companies that are members of ATIBT, and their commitment on the public health aspects.

Indeed, due to urbanization, sedentary lifestyles and changing eating habits, noncommunicable diseases progress rapidly in Africa. Africa is the fastest growing region in terms of diabetes: from 20 million in 2013 to 41.5 million in 2035. In addition, more than 65% of diabetes cases are not diagnosed. Similarly, the percentage of active adults with high blood pressure (causing stroke – cardiovascular accident) is now estimated at 33% in Côte d’Ivoire and 37% in Cameroon.

To help prevent the spread of chronic diseases, how can companies respond?

Participants included the NGO Health Diabetes, the International Working Group on Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) / the e-Diabetes Platform, the Global Health Policy Center of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs , the Compagnie Fruitière, Bolloré.