February 16, 2024 (MLN): The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, under the direction of Federal Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan has issued an advisory to ban the consumption of sweetened sugary beverages during official meetings within the ministry and its attached departments.
This measure aims to promote a healthier workplace environment and align with the government's commitment to public health.
This initiative aims to set a positive example, encouraging healthier lifestyle choices among our colleagues and fostering an environment that prioritizes employee well-being.
Encouraging healthier habits through the advisory can align with the Ministry's dedication to dissuading the intake of sugary beverages, serving as a model in public health advocacy.
This supports the broader mission of promoting healthier lifestyles and diminishing the prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the population.
As per the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 report, there is an increasing burden associated with the four primary NCDs in Pakistan, contributing to heightened morbidity and premature mortality.
NCDs can be prevented through the reduction of their main risk factors, namely tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and air pollution.
The potential to limit NCD mortality and morbidity can be achieved through appropriate public health strategies aimed at disease prevention, risk factor control and health promotion.
One major contributor to the rise in NCDs is the excessive consumption of sugary beverages, which are high in added sugars and contribute to various health issues.
