World Health Organization or WHO Africa Director calls upon African governments to prioritize food safety align policies in agriculture, trade, health, education, social protection and mobilize adequate financial resources to make food safe for all.
Matshidiso Moeti in his statement marking World Health Day on Tuesday under the theme: ‘How safe is your food? From farm to plate, make food safe’, urges food handlers and consumers to be familiar with common food hazards and handle and prepare food safely.
He calls on the continent leaders to set food guidelines in line with codex standards, operating regional alert mechanisms and early warning systems, building and maintaining adequate food systems and infrastructures to improve food safety.
Dr Moeti pledges that WHO would continue to collaborate with the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health and other partners to ensure food is safe in Africa.
He stresses urgent need for all food handlers and consumers to understand the importance of adopting basic hygienic practices when buying, selling and preparing food to protect their health and that of the wider community.
The Director says improving the safety of food and securing the effective management of businesses operated by women is a key concern in public health for the economic, social status and overall standing of women in their communities.