By Abid Chaudhry
TWA
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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as the leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 60% of all deaths in Pakistan. These diseases significantly diminish productivity and human capital while escalating healthcare costs due to severe illness, disability, and death. Key contributors to NCDs include high sugar consumption, ultra-processed foods, tobacco use, and physical inactivity. PANAH has established a think tank based on top health experts and other professionals to guide PANAH to take effective measures to reduce NCDs in Pakistan.
4th meeting of this think tank was conducted at a local hotel in Islamabad on Thursday, July 26th. Members of think tank were briefed that PANAH has started working on imposition of mandatory front of pack warning labels on ultra-processed products. Front-of-pack nutrition labels (FOPNL) on ultra-processed products play a crucial role in promoting public health by providing consumers with clear, accessible information about the nutritional content of the foods they consume.
These labels help individuals make informed dietary choices quickly and easily, often at a glance, which is particularly important in a fast-paced environment where time is limited. FOPNL can highlight key information such as nutrients of concern, sugar, fat, and salt levels, thus encouraging healthier eating habits and aiding in the prevention of diet-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, the presence of these labels can incentivize manufacturers to reformulate their products to improve nutritional quality, benefiting overall public health.
President PANAH, Maj Gen. (R) Masud Ur Rehman Kiani, expressed grave concern over the alarming rise in heart diseases and related conditions. He emphasized the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors for NCDs and underscored PANAH’s expanding role in educating the public about proven, effective prevention strategies. Highlighting diet-related risk factors, he stated, He seek the guidance from think tank to work more effectively for reduction of modifiable risk factors of these NCDs.
Munawar Hussain, Country Coordinator of the Global Health Incubator (GHAI), presented comprehensive data on the severe health impacts of consuming ultra-processed foods and beverages. He drew attention to the undeniable link between these products and the surge in NCDs, stressing the urgency of implementing policies to curb their consumption. FOPNLs is an evident based policy action to help consumers to make informed choices about their food. He advocated for the immediate adoption of Front-of-Pack Labels (FOPL) to help consumers understand the nutritional content and quantity of the foods they consume. He explained the policy pathway of imposition of mandatory FOPNLs on UPPs.
General Secretary PANAH .Sanaullah Ghumman briefed the participants about the proceedings of the previous meetings of the think tank and shared the agenda of the present meeting.
During the meeting, participants agreed that one of the primary drivers of the increase in NCDs is the prevalence of unhealthy foods, particularly ultra-processed items high in salt, sugar, and fat. They discussed agreed that front-of-pack warning labels will contribute positively in reduction of NCDs in Pakistan. After thorough deliberation, the think tank established various sub-committees, assigning specific roles and responsibilities to each.
