VIASANO in Belgium

VIASANO Programme has been developed and adapted in Belgium with the EPODE methodology.
http://www.epode-european-network.com/en/epode-in-europe-detail/101.html?start=1>

Little cousin of the French EPODE programme, VIASANO has for objective to prevent childhood obesity as well as cardiovascular risk in adults. The programme was set up in 2007 with 2 pilot cities: one in Flanders (Hasselt) and one in Wallonia (Mouscron). Today, the programme has been extended to 15 other cities: Jette and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre (Brussels), Marche-en-Famenne, Comines-Warneton, Mouscron, Flobecq, Mons, Rochefort, Liège and Pepinster (Wallonia), Aarschot, Huldenberg, Hasselt, Dilsen-Stokkem, Schilde (Flanders) (see figure 1 here below).

Figure 1: VIASIANO cities in October 2011

Since then, each community of Belgium is represented. Health prevention being part of the mandate of the Communities, the programme is adapted in order to integrate relevant recommendations, policies and vision on healthy diet and physical activity.
VIASANO is endorsed by several scientific institutions (caring for obesity, diabetes, heart-diseases) and supported by the authorities of each Community.
Each VIASANO-city is engaged in the programme for 4 years. The prevention statement is "Eat better, move more: all on tracks!". Every 6 months, a campaign proposes one theme to the population related to a healthy diet, or the promotion of physical activity or a well-being-related topic (e.g. a good sleep). For instance, the 10th campaign (which has begun in June 2011) deals with the promotion of water and other beverages consumption.

For more information, consult VIASANO Resources centre and VIASANO website.