LAHORE (Khyber Mail): Health experts are urging the adoption of preventive measures to address the rising storm of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Pakistan. The increasing prevalence of these diseases poses a significant challenge to the country’s healthcare system.
Non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, kidney diseases, and some types of cancer, have become a major global problem. In Pakistan, 60% of deaths are attributed to NCDs, with heart diseases alone claiming over 240,720 lives annually.
Excessive consumption of unhealthy foods high in sugar, salt, fat, and fried ingredients is a primary cause of heart diseases. Experts emphasize the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, stress management, obesity control, smoking cessation, and a balanced diet. These points were highlighted in a recent sensitization session organized at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology in Lahore.
Dr. Anjum Jalal, Executive Director of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, noted that heart diseases claim 17.9 million lives worldwide each year. He stressed the need for a simple lifestyle and the avoidance of ultra-processed products (UPPs) loaded with sugar, salt, and trans-fats.
Sanaullah Ghumman, General Secretary of the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), highlighted the economic burden of NCDs, with annual diabetes-related expenditures exceeding $2.6 billion. PANAH is working with the government to implement front-of-pack labeling on unhealthy items to better inform consumers.
Health and Nutrition Expert Munawar Hussain revealed that over 41% of adult Pakistanis are overweight or obese, with more than 33 million living with diabetes. He called for decisive government action, including increased taxes and warning labels on ultra-processed products.
The collective efforts of civil society, government, journalists, health professionals, and all active sections of society are essential for creating a healthier Pakistan.