ISLAMABAD: While non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing alarmingly in Pakistan, over 41 per cent of adults are obese or overweight.
More than 33 million people in the country are living with diabetes and another 10 million are pre-diabetic. If no immediate policy action is taken, the number of people living with diabetes will increase to 62 million by 2045.
This was stated at a briefing held for parliamentarians by Pakistan National Heart Association (Panah). Those who attended the event included former ministers of health Zaffar Mirza, Dr Nadeem Jan, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, MNA Sehr Kamran and Panah President retired Maj Gen Masudur Rehman Kiani.
Dr Jan said health crisis in Pakistan was complex. “NCDs are at an alarming rise. Government must prioritise preventive measures to decrease the burden of NCDs. During my tenure, I banned the use of sugary drinks in the ministry of health and issued an advisory to other ministries to ban them in their jurisdiction. These small steps are symbolic and can make big difference,” he said.
Gen Kiani briefed the participants about modifiable risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases. He said unhealthy diet including ultra-processed food and beverage products were reason for the NCDs.
Country coordinator Global Health Advocacy Incubator Munawar Hussain suggested to parliamentarians to bring ultra-processed products in the list of taxed items in the finance bill 2024-25 to discourage their consumption.
Panah General Secretary Sanaullah Ghumman said besides creating public awareness on modifiable risk factors of NCDs, his association was also working with policymakers for formulation of policies to reduce the burden of NCDs.
Former chairperson National Commission on the Rights of the Child Afshan Tehseen Bajwa said public health should be prioritised over corporate interest to save lives.
Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2024
