Javed Iqbal
Ulema urged to raise public awareness on health harms of Sugary Drinks
Islamabad [Parliament Times]: The growing burden of the diet related non communicable diseases is haunting the development of Pakistan. The religious leaders of the country have been urged to help raising awareness among public on the harmful effects of the sugary drinks during Ramadan and beyond. AnUlema conference was organized in this regard by Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) at local hotel in Islamabad. The conference was attended by a large number ofUlema, civil society representatives, health professionals and journalists. Maj. Gen. (R ) Masud ur Rehman Kiani was the chief guest of the occasion. The guests included Mr. Munawar Hussain, Consultant Food Policy Program at Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Dr. Khawaja Masuood Ahmed from Ministry of Health, Dr. Tanveer Ibrahim from National Institute of Health, Mr. Tahir Sikandar D.S.P. Dr. Fayyaz Ahmad Ranjah,Executive vice president PANAH Dr. Abdul Qayyum Awan, civil society representatives, health professionals and journalists.
“Unhealthy diet is top reason for diseases and deaths in Pakistan. Peoples are dying every minute due to diabetes, heart diseases, cancers and other chronic diseases. These precious lives could be saved by adopting healthier choices in the diet” said by Maj. Gen. (R) Masud ur Rehman Kiani President at PANAH. “Ulema have great respect in Pakistani society andpeople listen to them more than any one else. Sugary drinks are among the major contributors to these diseases. Ulema shall help raising aware among public on health harms of sugary drinks and other unhealthy foodschoices during Jumam prayers and community gatherings” he added.
Mr. Munawar Hussain, Consultant Food Policy Program at Global Health Advocacy Incubator while referring to International Diabetes Federation’s Atlas said “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”. He added “reducing consumption of sugary drinks can save thousands of the lives annually and save hospital expenditure. Increasing tax on sugary drinks which passes the price to consumers is an evidence based strategy to reduce its consumption. Saudi Arabia and many other countries have adopted this strategy to successfully reduce its consumption and related diseases”
“The tax increased during the supplementary finance bill was a great step by the government and has been widely appreciated among health professionals and civil society” said by Dr. Khawaja Masuood Ahmed, National Coordinator Nutrition at ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. He urged Ministry of Finance to further increase this rate and also include entire rage of sugary drinks in it like flavored milk and iced teas etc.
Dr. Fiaz Ranjah said that Ulema plays an effective role to shape opinion of the general public. Their consistent efforts can mobilize public support for this desirable policy change.
Mr. Sana Ullah Ghumman General Secretary PANAH said that we are working since last 40 years to save the health of our people from the menace of non-communicable diseases in Pakistan. PANAH is working with policy makers to make unhealthy diets less affordable for public to reduce its consumption. Today we came to Ullema to seek their support on this noble cause of public health. We request them to use their platform against the harms of unhealthy foods like sugary drinks.
Mr. Tahir Sikandar D.S.P and Dr. Tanveer Ibrahim, Chief Nutrition at National institute of Health also addressed the conference. At the end Executive Vice President of PANAH thanked the Ulema and request them to play their role in raising awareness among public during Ramadan and beyond.