The following is a statement from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on marking the approval of the National School Nutrition Policy by the Cabinet:

“Good nutrition is fundamental to every child’s right to health.

Yet, Jamaican children are exposed to unhealthy food environments, particularly in schools, where unhealthy foods are readily available, aggressive marketing and lack of clear labelling of unhealthy foods make it harder for them to make healthy choices. Ultra-processed foods high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium are driving the rise in childhood obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). At the same time, undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies continue to affect many children, threatening children’s well-being and future productivity.

UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) acknowledge that the availability and equitable access to healthy foods are now even more critical for children and adolescents.

For this reason, we congratulate the Government of Jamaica on the recent Cabinet approval of the National School Nutrition Policy. We applaud the commendable collaborative efforts of the Education and Health Ministries in advancing the approval of this policy.

This monumental step represents a tangible commitment to the health and well-being of Jamaica’s children and adolescents. When children and adolescents are healthy and well-nourished they not only learn better but also lead healthier and more productive lives as adults.

UNICEF and PAHO/WHO eagerly anticipate the further tabling and approval of the National School Nutrition Policy and Standards by Parliament, followed by its implementation. Complementary policies, such as octagonal front-of-package warning labels, will support school administrators, parents, and students in identifying healthier foods for sale and consumption in schools.

We recognise that these efforts require a whole-of-society approach, with collaboration from all stakeholders including government, academia, the private sector, civil society, schools, and families.  The decisions made today to invest in children’s health and nutrition will shape the health of the population for generations to come.

We are committed to supporting the Government and other stakeholders in implementing evidence-based policies that support health and nutrition to positively impact the health and well-being of all Jamaicans.”