Lahore (Khyber Mail): The continuation of increasing non-communicable diseases will prove to be an atomic bomb for Pakistan’s health system in the near future. Empowering youth for public health is the need of the hour. PANAH’s Social Work Department organized a session on the growing threat of non-communicable diseases at the University of the Punjab on February 11.
Increasing non-communicable diseases have become a significant problem in Pakistan, causing millions to suffer from diabetes, obesity, heart disease, kidney diseases, and some types of cancer. These diseases account for 60% of deaths in Pakistan. The consumption of ultra-processed products plays a major role in this national health emergency. Due to these products, more than 41% of adults in Pakistan are either overweight or obese. Moreover, over 33 million people are currently living with diabetes, with another 10 million on the verge of developing the disease.
This alarming issue was highlighted in a youth sensitization session organized by the Department of Social Work, University of the Punjab, aimed at involving the youth in the campaign to prevent unhealthy food.
General Secretary of the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), Sanaullah Ghumman, emphasized that due to the widespread consumption of ultra-processed products (UPPs), more than 41% of adults in Pakistan are overweight or obese, with more than 33 million living with diabetes. If immediate policy action is not taken, this number will increase to 62 million by 2045. He stressed that UPPs loaded with excessive sugar, salt, and trans fats are a major cause of these diseases. Ghumman urged the government to take decisive action, including increasing taxes and introducing front-of-pack warning labels on all products so that people are aware of what they are consuming.
Sanaullah Ghumman also mentioned that PANAH is preparing a youth force consisting of students from all universities in Pakistan. The main objective is to prepare the youth to be part of this campaign.
Chairperson of the Social Work Department, Dr. Uzma Ashiq, stated that the flood of non-communicable diseases can be stopped by preventing and implementing policies that address the causes of these diseases. Dr. Ashiq assured that the Social Work Department will actively participate in this campaign.
The session brought together a diverse audience, including researchers, scholars, diplomats, and students, highlighting the urgent need for collective action to tackle the rising non-communicable diseases in Pakistan.