News Desk
Islamabad: January 06, 2024 The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) has urgently called upon Prime Minister Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, President Dr. Arif Alvi, and Secretary National Health Services, Mr. Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, to address the escalating prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Pakistan. With approximately 60% of deaths attributed to NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, CPDI stresses the need for immediate intervention, said the press release
In a letter to the government officials, CPDI advocates for concrete measures, urging the Prime Minister to ban unhealthy food and beverages from public procurements, official meetings, and functions. The organization highlights the detrimental impact of excessive use of unhealthy oils, added sugars, and sodium in foods, contributing to the surge in diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
CPDI proposes a comprehensive approach, calling for the formulation and strict implementation of mandatory standards for all food items. The organization urges the government to prohibit the procurement of unhealthy food by government institutions and to ban the serving of such items in official settings. Additionally, CPDI recommends restricting the availability of unhealthy food in schools, hospitals, and public parks, eliminating subsidies on harmful products, and implementing public awareness campaigns.
Mukhtar Ahmad Ali, Executive Director of CPDI, emphasizes the importance of these measures in addressing the public health crisis related to NCDs. CPDI formally requests meetings with the Prime Minister, President, and Secretary National Health Services to present research-based findings and propose effective strategies for better governance of food systems in Pakistan.
“Medical research shows that the national burden of diseases, deaths, and disabilities in Pakistan is changing, and we need to take serious measures to control dietary risk factors,” says Mukhtar Ahmad Ali. CPDI hopes these initiatives will contribute to a healthier population and alleviate the strain on the healthcare system.