What Is Wrong With Us: We can find money to bury the dead, but not to keep the living well

African families are known for their ability to gather resources for funerals. The question is why they don't apply the same dedication to health, such as healthy food, health screenings, or exercise. Funerals are emotionally charged events in African communities, bringing people together to mourn and remember. However, there's a contradiction in prioritizing money for funerals over healthy living.

While healthy food can be unaffordable or hard to access, nearly three billion people worldwide can't afford safe, nutritious, and sufficient food. The issue isn't funerals, but rather an uncomfortable contradiction in priorities. Many African homes spend on funerals but lack funds for healthy food. The statistics show that noncommunicable diseases, like heart disease and diabetes, are now the leading cause of death in Africa.

These deaths are preventable, but people often respond after the fact, mobilizing resources only when it's too late. The challenge lies in shifting from reactive to preventive measures. Healthy eating is not just about personal discipline; it's about accessible, affordable nutritious food. Governments need to support healthier food systems, as agriculture and healthcare are interconnected.