7th edition of MaBEST: CREFER students learn about good health practices

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Extract from the article: As part of the 7th edition of the Food, Well-being, and Health Market in Togo (MaBEST), on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Santé-Éducation raised awareness among students at the Regional Center for Study and Training in Renewable Energy (CREFER) ab....

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As part of the 7th edition of the Food, Well-being, and Health Market in Togo (MaBEST), on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Santé-Éducation raised awareness among students at the Regional Center for Study and Training in Renewable Energy (CREFER) about non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and best practices in health, nutrition, and well-being. This awareness day is in line with MaBEST's mission to work towards strengthening health education in Togo and supporting young people in adopting better lifestyles.

Speaking to the students and staff of the center, Basile Mignaké, president of the MaBEST organization, said that the health of young people is crucial to the country's development. He stressed the importance of teaching students good practices in nutrition, sex education, and healthy living. He urged students to get screened and to exercise regularly, which he described as “an essential remedy that cannot be bought at the pharmacy.” “According to the Ministry of Health's STEPS survey, the rate of diabetes is grim. Conditions such as high blood pressure are increasing year on year. A sedentary lifestyle paves the way for serious illnesses,” said Basile Mignaké.

This awareness campaign also enabled learners to discover the importance of a balanced diet, sometimes supplemented by essential nutritional supplements when daily meals are insufficient.

The Director General of CREFER, Komla Awute, praised this initiative, which he considers essential to the educational journey of learners. For him, health is a prerequisite for academic and professional success. He assured that the public administration will ensure that the recommendations made are implemented. “Health is the basis of everything. We have been taught how to stay healthy in order to achieve our goals. It's good to go to school. But there's no point in being educated if, in the end, you can't practice because of a health problem,” Komla Awute emphasized.

He noted that CREFER, which specializes in renewable energy, welcomes learners from a dozen French-speaking countries. The center trains technicians in building electricity, solar energy, and electrical engineering through modular training programs (6 months, 12 months) leading to a CAP or BT qualification.

The discussions had a concrete and immediate impact on the participants. Gnankadja Carlos, a CAP Electricity student, said he had decided to reduce his sugar consumption, taking greater care due to his mother's history of diabetes. Student Nyawuame Kékéli also praised the usefulness of discussions on reproductive health, a subject she considers essential for all young girls and boys.

Moments rich in sharing

During the meeting, several healthcare providers presented their various services and products. SHINEWAY Healthcare introduced its natural dietary supplements designed to strengthen the body. Bonjour Bébé, an organization of midwives who provide home care, raised awareness about maternal and child health, addressing issues of reproductive health and managing painful periods.

The company CHAMPISO, with its products Jus Détox and One Minute, highlighted the benefits of mushrooms, particularly their role in detoxification, immune system support, and vitality improvement. The NGO VISA made a significant contribution by raising awareness and screening for diabetes. 

Through these activities and exchanges with the young people of CREFER, this 7th edition of MaBEST confirms Santé-Education's mission to equip the future Togolese workforce with the vital knowledge they need to take charge of their own health.

This year's theme is “Prevention is cure: invest in health.”

Esther KOLANI