Dhaka: Experts at a recent webinar emphasized that consumer awareness is crucial in controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension in Bangladesh. They voiced concerns about the increasing prevalence of NCDs, attributing it to unhealthy eating habits and a growing dependence on processed foods.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the webinar titled 'Safe Food to Combat Non-Communicable Diseases and Our Role' was organized by the research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI). The event was part of activities marking National Food Safety Day, celebrated under the theme "Nirapod Khaddo Nishchit Kori, Sustho Sobol Jibon Gori."
Experts highlighted that foods high in salt, sugar, and fat significantly increase the risk of hypertension and other NCDs, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). They suggested that Front-of-Pack labeling (FOPL) could play a pivotal role in raising consumer awareness of these risks.
The webinar revealed WHO data indicating that approximately 570,263 people die each year in Bangladesh due to non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 attributes around 27,387 annual deaths to unhealthy dietary practices, including excessive sodium intake and the consumption of trans fats and sugar-sweetened beverages. Despite these alarming figures, the budget allocation for controlling non-communicable diseases remains inadequate, comprising only 4.2 percent of the total health budget.
Prof. Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury, head of the Department of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, stressed the importance of promoting healthy dietary habits and reducing the population's reliance on processed foods to mitigate the risk of hypertension and other NCDs.
Prof. Dr. Nazma Shaheen, former Director of the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Dhaka, advocated for the introduction of Front-of-Pack labeling to inform the public about unhealthy food components, such as excessive salt, sugar, and trans fats. She emphasized that this measure could significantly reduce the burden of hypertension and other NCDs in Bangladesh.
Prof. Dr. Mohammad Shoeb, a member of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, announced that the government is working on implementing an easy-to-understand Front-of-Pack labeling system to raise consumer awareness about the health risks associated with processed foods.
Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead for the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), highlighted the necessity of ensuring sustainable financing to effectively address NCDs such as hypertension, alongside raising public awareness.
The webinar was chaired by ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA, and moderated by Samiha Bintay Kamal, Program Officer at PROGGA. Md Monir Hossain Liton, Head of Online (Bangla) at Daily Times of Bangladesh, also participated as a discussant. Journalists, civil society representatives, experts, and relevant stakeholders from various regions, including Rangpur, attended the webinar.