Islamabad, (Parliament Times): High consumption of sugary drinks is one of the major reason for alarmingly growing obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, several types of cancer, kidney and liver diseases. Pakistan is ranked number one with highest growth rate of diabetes during the last 10 years. Pakistan is ranked 3rd highest globally with 33 million people living with diabetes in 2021. If no policy action taken immediately, the number of people living with diabetes will increase to 62 million by 2045. This was said by health, economic and policy experts while addressing on “enhancing the impact of digital media through youth” organized by Pakistan National Heart Association at local hotel in Islamabad. The enent was attended by the health professionals, civil society representatives, youth and students from different schools and colleges of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Among the guests were Ms. Afshan Tehseen Bajwa, Chairperson, Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC), Mr. Munawar Hussain, Consultant – Food Policy Program, Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), Mr. Abdul Hafeez, Ex-Commissioner Income Tax.
While addressing to session, Mr. Sana Ullah Ghumman said that PANAH is raising awareness for a healthy youth and healthy Pakistan. He said that sugary sweetened beverages are one of the major causes of diabetes and obesity. Youth of Pakistan are among the victims of this disease. Our government and policy makers need to understand the seriousness of this problem and work on war footing basis to reduce the consumption of SSBs.
Mr. Munawar Hussain, Consultant Food Policy Program at Global Health Advocacy Incubator said that high consumption of sugary drinks is an increasing threat to economy of the country. He said that PIDE estimated Rs. 428 billion as cost of obesity in 2015. Similarly, as per International Diabetes Federation, the annual cost of managing diabetes in Pakistan has been increased to USD 2640 million in 2021.
Ms. Afshan Tehseen Bajwa, CEO, National Commission on Rights of the Child (NCRC) said that Youth can play a vital role promotion of healthy foods. Youth need to be more conscious on making their food choices. Sugar Sweetened Beverages are very harmful for youth and are major causes of obesity, diabetes and many other diseases.
Students groups from schools and colleges gave presentations on how digital media can be used more effectively to aware people on health harms of sugary sweetened beverages.
Trending
- Journalists Call for Protection of Natural Habitat in Islamabad: Rapid Construction Maneuvers Transform City into Concrete Jungle
- Indian PM’s decision to call AJ&K a part of India is a violation of UN resolutions: Javed Badhanvi
- Significance of Qatar Emir’s crucial Bangladesh visit
- Dr. Yunus’ Dark Side and Social Media Users
- Terrorizing the CPEC: Analyzing a Comprehensive Security Framework for CPEC
- Flood in Gwadar
- In Pursuit of Morels: A Childhood Adventure
- FBL Unveils Strong Financial Results for the Q1’24