Alarm raised on rising non-communicable diseases

Experts highlight dietary risk factors, calling for immediate govt intervention

ISLAMABAD:

Experts have raised alarm on the rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the country, attributing the dangerous spike to unhealthy diet patterns.

The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) has called upon key stakeholders to address the concerning prevalence of NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.

According to health statistics, around 60% of deaths are attributed to these diseases.

They said NCDs are a leading cause of not only premature deaths but also increase the risk of disabilities and unhealthy life years, causing people huge financial losses.

The experts have highlighted dietary risk factors, discouraging the excessive use of unhealthy oils and fats, added sugars in foods and drinks, and excessive sodium.

Furthermore, CPDI has urged the prime minister to implement concrete measures banning such unhealthy food and beverages from public procurements, official meetings, and functions.

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Highlighting the rising numbers of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in Pakistan due to the unregulated consumption of food containing harmful ingredients like sugar, sodium, and trans-fatty acids (TFAs) in fats, the non-partisan civil society organisation emphasised the urgent need for intervention.

Studies reveal that approximately 33 million people in Pakistan suffer from diabetes, an additional 10 million are pre-diabetic, and 918 cases per 100,000 individuals are affected by cardiovascular diseases.

CPDI proposed a comprehensive approach, urging the prime minister to expedite the formulation and strict implementation of mandatory standards for all food items, prohibit government institutions from procuring unhealthy food, and ban the serving of such harmful items in official settings.

In addition, CPDI has urged restricting the availability of unhealthy food in schools, hospitals, and public parks.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7^th, 2024.