The “Protect Us!” Campaign

Barbados is facing a serious public health challenge where 31% of children are overweight/ obese. This increases their risk of developing life-threatening noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and types of cancers as adults.

The 2023 Barbados National School Nutrition Policy was implemented to create a healthier school environment, removing unhealthy food and drinks from schools. However, marketing activities promoting these unhealthy products continue in schools, undermining the policy’s progress. 

The “Protect Us!” campaign is calling on policymakers to take action and enforce restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy food and drinks to children in schools.  It questions the presence of marketing activities amidst the removal of unhealthy food and drinks, while highlighting that the school nutrition policy restricts marketing activities in and around schools. Stronger enforcement is essential to protect children from long term exposure to marketing, which influences their food preferences and consumption patterns into adulthood. 

The campaign was launched with key partners:  The Healthy Caribbean Coalition, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Caribbean Institute for Health Research (CAIHR), and the Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition. It will reach audiences through broadcast, print, and digital media. 

Join us in advocating for a healthier future for Barbados’ children!

Share campaign messages on social media using the hashtags #StopUnhealthyMarketing #ProtectOurChildren #HealthySchools #RightToKnow #HealthyChoices #HealthBarbados.

Like, comment, share, and repost content from our official Instagram and Facebook pages: @hsfbarbados.