Staff Reporter
The delay in health levy bill is costing government more than 55 billion rupees annually. This was shared during the webinar organized by Pakistan National Heart Association and Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Alliance in collaboration with Global Health Advocacy Incubator. Representatives of more than 35 civil society organizations participated in the webinar across the country including national and international organizations. The speakers highlighted the harmful effects of sugar sweetened beverages and drinks on the health of people who regularly consume such drinks.
Among the dietary risk factors, excess sugar consumption is one of the major causes of obesity and its related diseases, increasing risk of diabetes, hypertension, liver and kidney damage, heart disease, and cancers. Consumption of Sodas and other sugary drinks are a high source of sugar. This was said by Nazeer Ahmed, Scaling Up Nutrition Focal Person at Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiative. He said that increased consumption of sugary drinks is a threat to national development due to increased health care costs and hospital expenditures, in addition to an unhealthier workforce.
Ms. Courtney Peters, Associate Director Global Health Advocacy Incubator, shared that with 19.4 million cases, Pakistan has the 4th highest burden of diabetes worldwide. She said that as per WHO NCDs caused over 800,000 deaths in Pakistan in 2016; out of which 68,000 were attributed to diabetes and high blood glucose.
She said that drinking just one soda a day increases the likelihood of being overweight by 27% for adults and 55% for children. The early evidence indicates that Sugar Sweetened Beverages may have potentially addictive properties for adolescents and young adults.
