Dominica Advances Efforts to Improve School Nutrition with CARPHA–PAHO Support

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, in

partnership with the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational

Training and National Excellence, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)

and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), is strengthening

national efforts to create healthier food environments in Dominican schools.

The initiative forms part of a regional response to the alarming rise in childhood

overweight and obesity- now affecting one in every three Caribbean children.

Unhealthy diets high in salt, sugar, fat, and ultra-processed foods continue to fuel

non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the leading cause of death and disability

across the region.

To tackle this challenge, CARPHA and PAHO have jointly developed the

Technical Recommendations for Nutrition Standards for Caribbean Schools,

designed to guide countries in standardizing the foods and beverages sold or served

in primary and secondary schools. These recommendations support the creation of

healthier school environments by increasing access to nutritious meals and limiting

unhealthy options.

From November 20 to 24, 2025, under a Subsidiary Agreement between CARPHA

and PAHO, Dominica will receive country-specific guidance and training to

implement these standards, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to

combating childhood obesity and promoting long-term health outcomes.

The initiative aims to support the development and strengthening of national

nutrition standards for all foods provided and sold in schools and early childhood

services. This effort directly contributes to achieving global targets to end all forms

of malnutrition and reduce NCDs and obesity rates by 30% by the year 2030.

The programme will:

 Provide updates on regional food policy related to childhood nutrition.

 Build understanding of the new CARPHA–PAHO technical

recommendations and their importance for child health and development.

 Strengthen practical skills in planning and preparing healthy school meals

and snacks.

 Improve food safety practices in school food environments.

 Clarify roles and responsibilities of school food providers in creating

healthier food settings.

 Support the development of draft national nutrition standards through multi-

sectoral collaboration.

The Government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Health, Wellness and

Social Services remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of children and

ensuring that schools serve as spaces that promote healthy growth, learning, and

development. This collaboration represents a major step forward in protecting

future generations from preventable diseases and promoting a healthier, more

resilient nation.