Connect with us

Featured

NASR Warn Nigerians On Dangers Of Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Others

Published

on

…Wants NASS to Formulate Tax Policy on SSBs

Joel Ajayi

The National Action On Sugar Reduction NASR has advised Nigerians on the dangers associated with the consumption of sugary drinks saying that the excessive consumption of sugary drinks harmful to human’s health

Highlighting the dangers, NASR revealed that Nigerians spend an estimated $4.5bn on diabetes treatment annually, countless, non-communicable diseases as well as countless cases of obesity and overweight.

The Technical Advisor of NASR, Dr Laz Ude Eze, who made this known in a webinar held with journalists, stressed that Nigeria is the 4th highest soft drink-consuming country globally with over 38 million litres of soft drink yearly in the country.

According to him, notes that over the past few decades, a rapid increase in sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly carbonated soft drinks consumption, has grown parallel with the development of an obesity epidemic in many countries of the world.

“Be aware that Nigeria has the fourth highest consumption rates of sugar-sweetened beverages (soft drinks) globally; owing to their accessibility and affordability, soft drinks have become a natural choice for many Nigerians;

“The temporal patterns in the increasing consumption of these sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), particularly carbonated soft drinks, have paralleled the rise in the prevalence of obesity and overweight; Concerned that children are given sugary drinks with meals every day, shifting their preferences from healthier choices; the excessive consumption of sugary drinks can increase the likelihood of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers.

“Worried that over 4 million Nigerians suffer from diabetes, the number is expected to rise as many Nigerians cannot afford the high cost of treatment which is estimated at between $3.5bn to $4.5bn per annum; lost hours of productivity result in direct and indirect economic costs to the government.”

“NASR Further worried that ‘Healthy drinks/food’ fruit snacks are loaded with sugars containing the equivalent of 5 teaspoons per serving, 91% of products had no front of label yet all featured claims implying they were ‘healthy’ Also aware that diverse contributors to the Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) epidemic exist, a sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax policy will tackle the contribution made by easy access and affordability, and has the potential to decrease individual consumption of sugary drinks.

“However, few policy measures exist to curb the excessive consumption of sugary drinks by discouraging the marketing, purchase and consumption of sugary drinks; we will contribute to creating an environment that reinforces healthy choices of drink; Believes that a tax policy on sugar-sweetened beverages could reduce the consumption of sugary drinks and the accompanying poor health effects and can cushion the increased economic and public health burden of NCDs, boost government revenue and make funds available to tackle the high costs of care and treatment.”

Dr Eze therefore, called on the Federal Ministry of Health to initiate a public treatment of sugar-linked diseases such as type
ensuring that sugar-sweetened beverages carry mandatory.

The Coalition equally called on the Minister of Finance to introduce an exercise duty 20% on sugar-sweetened beverages such as carbonated sugary and energy drinks.

“We urge the Federal Ministry of Health and relevant Agencies to, curtail the excessive consumption of sugary drinks that are considered harmful to human’s health; propose a fiscal measure in the form of a tax policy on sugar-sweetened beverages; tax sugar-sweetened beverages by introducing a specific excise duty of 20% on sugar-sweetened beverages such as carbonated soft drinks and energy drinks and use the tax accrued to fund the prevention and treatment of Type II diabetes in Nigeria.

“To ban the use of dishonest packaging claims and make it mandatory for all processed foods and drinks to have warning labels on sugar-sweetened beverages to create consumer’s awareness on the sugar content and health risks.”

Continue Reading

Featured

Enthusiasts Praise Ghana’s Meteoric Progress at African Games, Sport Minister Applauded for Visionary Leadership

Published

on

Ghana’s remarkable ascent in the African Games has sparked widespread acclaim from sports enthusiasts and stakeholders alike. The nation’s stunning leap from 15th place in the previous edition to an impressive 6th place in 2024 has captured the attention of the sports community, highlighting Ghana’s burgeoning potential and the transformative leadership of its Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Ussif.

Under Minister Ussif’s visionary leadership, Ghana’s sports industry has undergone a profound renaissance, marked by unprecedented achievements in grassroots development and infrastructure growth. The Minister’s strategic initiatives have not only revitalized the sporting landscape but have also positioned Ghana as a beacon of excellence on the African continent.

The recent success at the African Games is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to fostering talent at all levels. Through innovative programs and investments in youth development, Minister Ussif has cultivated a fertile environment for nurturing emerging athletes, paving the way for their seamless transition into senior sports teams.

Furthermore, Ghana’s hosting of the African Games in 2023 underscores the nation’s dedication to expanding its infrastructure base and solidifying its status as a regional sports hub. The prospect of hosting this prestigious event not only promises to elevate Ghana’s profile on the international stage but also presents unparalleled opportunities for economic growth and societal advancement.

Speaking on Ghana’s remarkable achievement, Minister Mustapha Ussif expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders and affirmed his commitment to further advancing the nation’s sports agenda.

He stated, “The remarkable progress we have witnessed at the African Games is a testament to the collective efforts of our athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that Ghana’s journey to sporting excellence has only just begun.”

On the eve of the closing ceremony alone, Ghana clinched eight gold medals, winning the ultimate prize in women’s hockey, 200m men’s athletics event, high jump, men’s football event, and four boxing gold medals in boxing. All in one night.

Ghana also made history by becoming the first country to win god in both men’s and women’s football events at the Games.

The closing ceremony of the Games saw star performances from star acts such as Stonebwoy, Stanley Enow, Wiyaala, Innoss’B, amongst others.

As Ghana continues its upward trajectory in the realm of sports, the nation stands poised to achieve even greater milestones under the visionary leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Sports minister, Mustapha Ussif.

Continue Reading

Trending

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)