Viasano is a Belgian community health prevention programme focused on helping cities and municipalities promote healthier lifestyles among children and families. It works through local mobilisation around two main goals: improving everyday eating habits and encouraging regular physical activity. The programme is built around scientific nutrition and health recommendations, but it is implemented locally through schools, sports clubs, health professionals, associations, retailers, and municipal teams. Viasano positions itself as a practical, positive intervention that helps families make gradual, sustainable changes in their daily routines rather than relying on stigma or restrictive messaging. Key Offerings Community intervention programme : Viasano supports municipalities in running local health-promotion actions aimed at families, children, and the wider community. The programme combines coordination, training, communication tools, and on-the-ground activities. Nutrition and physical-activity campaigns : The organisation develops themed campaigns on topics such as plant-based eating, whole grains, water and beverages, healthy budgeting, early-life nutrition, sleep, and daily movement. These campaigns are adapted to local needs and validated by experts. Training and support for local actors : Viasano provides initial and ongoing training for project leaders and local stakeholders, along with practical guidance to help them deliver health messages and organise activities. Communication and activation tools : The programme supplies posters, brochures, newsletters, recipe sheets, games, action ideas, and mobilisation guides to help cities and partners engage residents and professionals. Recipes and family-friendly resources : Viasano creates simple recipes and educational materials designed to make healthy eating more accessible, enjoyable, and practical for families, schools, and community events. Core Values Positive and non-stigmatising approach : Viasano explicitly avoids blaming people, behaviours, or foods. Its messaging is designed to support change in a respectful, encouraging way. Scientific grounding : The programme is based on official scientific recommendations and is validated by an expert committee that reviews messages, actions, and evaluation methods. Practical, progressive change : Viasano favours micro-changes and concrete steps that fit into everyday life, making healthier routines easier to adopt over time. Plaisir and conviviality : The programme emphasises the pleasure of eating, moving, and sharing activities together, rather than a purely corrective or restrictive health model. Local collaboration : It values the mobilisation of many local actors working together around families, schools, and neighbourhood life to create a supportive environment for healthier choices. Unique Aspects Municipality-led model : Viasano is implemented by local authorities and financed locally by cities and communes, which makes it a deeply embedded municipal prevention programme rather than a top-down national campaign. Broad local ecosystem mobilisation : Its methodology brings together schools, school canteens, sports clubs, health professionals, retailers, associations, and municipal services to influence the child’s everyday environment. International network heritage : Viasano is part of the Youth Health Community network of 12 intervention programmes, allowing it to share know-how and experience with peers internationally. European project participation : The programme took part in EU-supported projects such as EPHE and OPEN, including work on health equity and extending prevention efforts to adolescents in vulnerable settings. Recent institutional support : In 2022, the project "Ensemble pour manger mieux dans les villes et communes wallonnes" received a €20,000 grant from AVIQ, and in 2023 Viasano was approved as a health-promotion operator for five years.
Powered by DataScouts