A tasty approach to tackling obesity and promoting public health through nutrition education.
By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
As Zimbabwe — like much of the world — grapples with a rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and lifestyle-related health challenges, Cimas Health Group has cooked up a powerful new tool in the fight for better health: the iGo Recipe Book.
Launched at a colourful event at the Borrowdale Office Park, the recipe book marks a bold step in the organisation’s long-standing mission to shift focus from treatment to prevention, particularly through nutrition and public health awareness.
“This book is not just a collection of recipes,” said Dr. Willmore Kapuyanyika, Head of iGo. “It is a comprehensive guide for individuals committed to balanced nutrition and healthy living.”
Food as Medicine: The Fight Against Obesity and NCDs
The need for such a resource has never been greater. In Zimbabwe and globally, obesity — once considered a problem of the wealthy — is now a major public health crisis, affecting both urban and rural communities.
Poor diets, processed food, sedentary lifestyles, and limited nutritional awareness have contributed to a rise in obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and even some cancers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity rates have nearly tripled worldwide since 1975.
Zimbabwe is not exempt, with increasing reports of childhood obesity and adult weight-related health complications. Yet, many of these conditions are preventable through better diet and lifestyle choices.
The iGo Recipe Book seeks to address this challenge head-on by making healthy eating practical, accessible, and culturally relevant.
What’s on the Plate? Recipes for Real Life
Crafted by Cimas’ team of nutritionists and culinary experts, the iGo Recipe Book features:
Step-by-step recipes for all skill levels
Nutrient-rich meals designed to prevent or manage NCDs
Low-cost, locally sourced ingredients
Video guides and visual aids for hands-on learning
At the launch, guests were treated to live cooking demos of healthy delights like Zucchini Brownies, Baobab Smoothies, and a Creamy Strawberry Smoothie, proving that nutritious food doesn’t have to be boring.
Beyond taste, the recipes reflect Cimas’ commitment to evidence-based public health, encouraging Zimbabweans to rethink what they eat and how they cook.
Bringing the Kitchen to the Community
One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of a mobile kitchen unit, a state-of-the-art facility that will travel to communities across the country to deliver culinary education, cooking workshops, and nutrition training — bringing the message of health where it’s needed most.
Dr. Kapuyanyika also revealed plans for the Vanpragh facility, which will feature a high-tech iGo kitchen for in-depth nutritional education, recipe testing, and community wellness programming.
“We believe that by teaching people to prepare wholesome meals, we are arming them with one of the most powerful tools to fight disease — knowledge,” said Dr. Kapuyanyika.
iGo: A Brand Built on Wellness
Since its launch in 2016, the iGo brand has evolved into a national movement for wellness — from hosting fitness events and half-marathons to screening for chronic illnesses and promoting mental well-being. All of it is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3): ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
The recipe book is a natural extension of this work — a way to bring the principles of preventative healthcare right into the kitchen.
“Wellness is not just about clinics and hospitals,” said Dr. Kapuyanyika. “It starts with the choices we make every day — and what we eat is at the centre of that.”
Available to All
Available in both print and digital formats, the iGo Recipe Book is designed to be accessible to all Zimbabweans — from urban professionals to rural households, from health-conscious individuals to those just starting their wellness journey.
With vibrant images, easy-to-follow instructions, and a focus on realistic, budget-friendly meals, it’s poised to become an essential tool in promoting public health awareness nationwide.
Conclusion: Stirring Up Change, One Meal at a Time
In a world where fast food often replaces real food, and where medical systems are burdened by preventable illnesses, the iGo Recipe Book is more than a cookbook — it’s a public health intervention.
It represents a shift in thinking: that health doesn’t begin in the doctor’s office, but in our homes, kitchens, and daily habits.
By empowering people with the knowledge to eat better and live healthier, Cimas is not just feeding bodies — it’s nourishing a healthier future for Zimbabwe.
Tatenda Madzikanda Head Marketing Cimas Health Group
About Author
