A policy dialogue held at Beaconhouse National University (BNU) in Lahore on Wednesday shed light on the strong connection between unhealthy diets, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and poverty. The event, titled “Unhealthy Food, NCDs, and Poverty Nexus,” was organized by the Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA). Experts emphasized the need for effective governance and sound public policies to improve health and socio-economic outcomes.
Non-Communicable Diseases: A Growing Concern in Pakistan
Citing the 2014-2015 NCDs STEPS survey, CGPA revealed alarming statistics: over 41% of adults in Pakistan are obese or overweight, while 37% suffer from hypertension. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases account for 29% of NCD-related deaths in Pakistan. Additionally, the International Diabetes Federation’s 2021 report highlights that Pakistan has over 33 million type 2 diabetes cases, ranking third globally.
Call for Improved Governance and Policies
Muhammad Anwar, CGPA’s executive director, underscored the role of governance in tackling NCDs. He offered assistance to government bodies in creating surveillance systems to control industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFAs), a significant contributor to NCDs.
Dr. Jalal, the keynote speaker, highlighted that high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol levels are the leading causes of death and disability in Pakistan. He advocated preventive cardiology, lifestyle changes, and dietary modifications to combat the growing disease burden.
Collaboration for a Healthier Future
Zubair Faisal Abbasi, CGPA advisor, stressed the need for institutional coordination to regulate unhealthy foods. Economist Dr. Uzair Ahson called for health financing, social protection, and taxation on unhealthy foods to curb the economic and human capital loss caused by NCDs.
Moeed Yusuf, BNU’s vice chancellor, urged collaboration among academic institutions, civil society, and food authorities to fight unhealthy diets, reduce disease burdens, and alleviate poverty.
