UNICEF and Assuria Launch Partnership
to Promote Healthy Lifestyles Among Children
Paramaribo, 11 July 2025 – On Friday, 11 July, UNICEF and Assuria officially launched a strategic partnership aimed at improving children’s health in Suriname by promoting healthy lifestyles.
The partnership stems from a shared ambition: to contribute to a healthier future for children in Suriname. By joining forces, both organizations aim to raise awareness around healthy eating, regular physical activity, and mental resilience, as a preventative approach to the growing prevalence of chronic conditions at an early age.
The collaboration builds on the existing Healthy Lifestyle Programme developed and implemented by the Regional Health Service (RGD) with support from UNICEF. With financial support from Assuria, the reach of the program will be expanded to include more schools. Within six months, the initiative aims to reach 2,000 children across six schools in four communities, Uitvlugt, Latour, Flora, and Pontbuiten, equipping them with knowledge and sports materials to support healthy eating and physical activity.
“Healthy eating and regular physical activity are the foundation for a strong body and a healthy mind. These habits are especially crucial for children and adolescents, as they support development, school concentration, and resilience to diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses,” said RGD Director Radjesh Radjkoemar. “The Healthy Lifestyle Program plays an important role in this effort.”
The program focuses on three key pillars: healthy nutrition, physical activity, and mental health. It includes training for RGD nurses, physical education and media library teachers, interactive awareness sessions, sports activities, and informational workshops for parents and caregivers.
The response relates to concerning health trends in Suriname. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions account for 78% of deaths in Suriname. Among adolescents aged 10–19, 16% are overweight or obese, 44% do not get enough physical activity, and 1 in 7 experiences mental health challenges. The Healthy Lifestyle Program offers a targeted approach within schools and communities to address these challenges.
“Healthy nutrition and regular exercise are not a luxury, but a necessity for the physical, mental, and social development of children and young people. At a time when chronic illnesses are emerging at increasingly younger ages, it is critical to take preventive action and promote healthy habits from an early age,” emphasized Javier Cordoba, Deputy Representative a.i., UNICEF Guyana and Suriname.
“Assuria is proud to contribute to the health of our future generations. As a socially responsible company, we recognize our role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on good health and well-being. Through this partnership, we are investing in stronger communities by investing in healthier children,” highlighted Assuria Director, Mario Merhai.
UNICEF and Assuria are committed to strengthening this partnership in 2026 with the goal of reaching more children and communities and contributing to a healthier society in a sustainable way.
About Assuria
Assuria is a leading Surinamese insurance company with operations in Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Curaçao. With over 30 years of experience, Assuria offers a comprehensive range of insurance solutions for individuals and businesses. In addition to providing financial security for its clients, Assuria places high value on social responsibility. The company sees it as its duty to contribute to sustainable development and the well-being of Surinamese society, now and in the future.
About the Healthy Lifestyle Programme
The Healthy Lifestyle Programme was developed by the Regional Health Service (RGD) with support from UNICEF. It focuses on three pillars: healthy eating, physical activity, and mental resilience. The programme includes training for RGD nurses, physical education teachers, and media library staff, and conducts interactive sessions for children, parents, and caregivers. It plays a key role in the prevention of chronic diseases and supports a healthier future for children in Suriname.
For more information about Assuria, visit:
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About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org.
