BNP Paribas Cardif and UNICEF extend their joint efforts in preventing overweight and obesity in children and adolescents in Latin America

PANAMA CITY, 18 April 2024– BNP Paribas Cardif and UNICEF Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office announce the extension of their partnership to contribute to prevent overweight and obesity in children and adolescents in Latin America.

Children, adolescents, and their families are highly exposed to social, environmental, and physiological factors influencing their food choices decisions. To encourage healthier eating habits and create healthy school environments for children, the alliance is aiming to reach 400,000 children, families and teachers with essential information and tools (trainings, communication assets) to nurture healthy habits and promote healthier environments for the next two years. The partnership also aims to impact over 20 million people across Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru through the promotion of healthy eating, physical activities, and hygiene practices on social media.

“Overweight and obesity compromise the fundamental rights of children and adolescents, such as the right to health and adequate nutrition. We still have the opportunity to invest and design effective strategies to address this pressing emerging issue impacting children,” said Garry Conille, UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America, and the Caribbean. “The continuation of our partnership with BNP Paribas Cardif supports our efforts to tackle the escalating prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in the region. By coming together, we can accelerate and maximize investment, drive innovation, and scale-up new solutions.”

BNP Paribas Cardif supports UNICEF’s efforts in promoting awareness, knowledge, and practices regarding healthy lifestyles in schools, households, and recreational centers in the five selected countries, in coordination with local governments and communities that enabled the development of integrated strategies and carrying out effective actions at both national and local level.

Francisco Valenzuela, Regional CEO for BNP Paribas Cardif, Latin America: “In these unprecedented times, it is essential to remember the importance of preventing overweight and obesity in children. This renewal not only strengthens our commitment to children's well-being, but also allows us to continue addressing one of the biggest public health concerns today. We are proud to contribute to building a healthier and more sustainable future for future generations.”

Since launching in 2022, UNICEF and BNP Paribas Cardif partnership have achieved substantial impact through tailored initiatives in each target country, positively impacting the lives of more than 66,500 children, adolescents, their caregivers, and teachers through raising awareness activities and training around nutrition habits in schools. In addition, close to 34 million children, adolescents, parents, caregivers, and community members have been reached through messaging via social media over the past two years.

Overweight and obesity have dramatically worsened across Latin America and the Caribbean region, from 21.5 per cent (35 million) in 2000, to 30.6 per cent (49 million) in children and adolescents (5 to 19 years of age) in 2016[1]. Children who have overweight or obesity are at a higher risk of having these conditions into adulthood, as well as developing non-communicable diseases and having a shorter life expectancy.

[1] https://www.unicef.org/lac/en/press-release/more-4-million-children-under-5-overweight-latin-america-caribbean