ISLAMABAD: Health experts on Thursday said the growing burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases was haunting the development of Pakistan and urged religious leaders to help raise awareness about the harmful effects of unhealthy food and drinks during Ramazan and beyond.

They were attending an Ulema Conference, organised by Pakistan National Heart Association (Panah). The conference was also participated by a large number of ulema, civil society representatives, health professionals and journalists.

The association’s president, retired Maj Gen Masudur Rehman Kiani, was chief guest of the occasion.

The guests included consultant (food policy programme) at Global Health Advocacy Incubator Munawar Hussain, Dr Khawaja Masood Ahmed from Ministry of Health, Dr Tanveer Ibrahim from National Institute of Health and others.

Experts say burden of non-communicable diseases was hurdle to country’s development

“Unhealthy diet is the top reason for diseases and deaths in Pakistan. A number of people die every minute due to diabetes, heart diseases, cancers and other chronic diseases. These precious lives could be saved by adopting healthier choices in diet” said Mr Kiani.

“Ulema have great respect in Pakistani society and people listen to them more than anyone else. Sugary drinks are among the major contributors to these diseases. Ulema should help in raising awareness among public about harms of sugary drinks and other unhealthy food choices during Friday prayers and community gatherings,” he added.

Munawar Hussain, while referring to International Diabetes Federation’s Atlas, said: “Pakistan was ranked the third highest globally with 33 million people living with diabetes in 2021. If no policy action is taken immediately, the number of people living with diabetes will increase to 62 million by 2045.”

He said: “Reducing consumption of sugary drinks can save thousands of 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.”

According to a statement, Dr Khawaja Masood Ahmed said 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.

He urged the finance ministry to further increase this rate and also include an entire range of sugary drinks in it like flavoured milk, iced teas and so on.

Dr Fiaz Ranjah said the ulema could play an effective role to shape opinion of the general public. “Their consistent efforts can mobilise public support for this desirable policy change,” he said.

Panah General Secretary Sanaullah Ghumman said his association was working for the last 40 years to save the health of people from the menace of non-communicable diseases in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, March 17th, 2023