Among the commissioners are global experts and opinion leaders. PHOTO: FILE
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday appointed Dr Sania Nishtar to co-chair the Commission to end Childhood Obesity.
The Commission will be tasked with delivering a report to the World Health Organisation on approaches that will be most effective in tackling childhood obesity in different contexts around the globe.
According to a press release, Dr Nishtar, Founder of Heartfile, has been appointed to co-Chair the new Commission along with Sir Peter Gluckman, Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of New Zealand.
“I am extremely grateful for Dr Sania Nishtar’s willingness to co-Chair this high-level Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity,” says Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General.
“Children who begin life overweight or obese are at greater risk of health problems including diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, respiratory disease and reproductive disorders later in life. Setting children up for a healthy life begins with a healthy childhood, she said.
Among the Commissioners are global experts and distinguished opinion leaders. They will be advised by two working groups: an expert group of scientists to identify possible solutions; and a working group on implementation, monitoring and accountability.
“The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing globally, especially in low and middle-income countries. I am honoured to be part of this new commission and look forward to working with Dr Gluckman and the distinguished commissioners to recommend a plan of action and accountability,” said Dr Nishtar.
In 2013, Dr Nishtar served as the Minister for Science and Technology during the caretaker government. During her term, she was instrumental in establishing Pakistan’s Ministry of Health.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 21st, 2014.
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The National Nutritional Survey 2011 found that 28.8% of Pakistani aged 15-49 are overweight or obese, a figure surprisingly high for a country of Pakistan’s economic status, and one with serious implications in terms of medical consequences. Pakistan thus may be witnessing the double burden of under nutrition and obesity within rural and urban areas. There is a dire need to develop appropriate anthropometric reference data in Pakistan to monitor our nutritional interventions and formulate policies and schools will provide appropriate environment for this sort of research. So a very well appreciated step.
This was most needed and we really appreciate it. The National Nutrition Survey 2011 found that 28.8% of Pakistani aged 15-49 are overweight or obese, a figure surprisingly high for a country of Pakistan’s economic status, and one with serious implications in terms of medical consequences. Pakistan may be witnessing the double burden of under nutrition and obesity within rural and urban population. There is a dire need to develop appropriate anthropometric reference data in Pakistan to monitor our nutritional interventions and formulate policies and schools will provide appropriate environment for this sort of research.