Stakeholders at a meeting on “Reducing Salt Content in Commercially Processed Foods in Nigeria” have stressed the need for prompt action to check excessive salt consumption.
The stakeholders, who expressed concern over what they described as an “escalating rate of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) linked to excessive salt consumption”, said the increase was due to a lack of awareness among Nigerians.
The Technical Advisor, Network for Health Equity and Development, Dr Jerome Mafeni, said during the meeting in Abuja on Wednesday that many Nigerians are not aware of the health risks associated with high salt intake.
He, therefore, suggested the implementation of mandatory salt reduction targets in packaged processed foods.
He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts by government agencies, health organisations, the media and the public in achieving meaningful change.
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He said, “Government agencies will play a crucial role in enforcing salt reduction targets, while public health organisations lead efforts toward educating the public about the health risks of excessive salt intake.”
From Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Mrs Bukola Odele explained the link between high salt consumption and NCDs such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke.
She underscored the urgent need for awareness “to address this overlooked health crisis.”
Mr Suleman Haruna, the Director of Press, Office of the Minister of Information, emphasised the pivotal role of the media in raising awareness among the populace, “, especially in promoting healthier dietary habits.”
He expressed concern over the severity of the issue, adding that salt reduction measures were crucial, as excessive consumption significantly increases the risk of NCDs.
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The meeting concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to work toward implementing effective regulations, educate the public, and promote healthier lifestyle choices to combat the burden of salt-related NCDs in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the global strategy on salt reduction said that in 2013, the World Health Assembly agreed to nine global voluntary targets for the prevention and control of NCDs, which includes a 30 per cent relative reduction in the intake of salt by 2025.
The Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2013-2020 provided guidance and policy options for member states, WHO and other UN agencies to achieve the targets.
The WHO has recommended a maximum intake of less than 2000 mg/day sodium (less than 5 g/day salt) in adults to control high blood pressure.
(NAN)
