Highlights from Sana Ullah Ghamman’s Speech at the Annual PANAH Walk Cardiovascular and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise in Pakistan.
Alarmingly, more than forty percent of Pakistani adults are obese, and in every ninety seconds, a person dies from heart disease in Pakistan. A significant contributor to these diseases is an unhealthy lifestyle. To combat this, regular walking, exercise, and avoiding foods which are high in fat, salt, and sugar, along with refraining from smoking, are crucial. Diet plays a pivotal role in prevention, with excessive sugar consumption being a major cause. Sugary drinks, in particular, are a significant concern as a 250ml glass can contain 7 to 9 teaspoons of sugar, leading to heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, various types of cancer, and other NCDs. These points were highlighted by health experts during the 32nd annual walk in Murree, organized by PANAH.
The event saw attended from a wide array of individuals, including Executive Senior Vice President of PANAH, Dr. Abdul Qayyum Awan, Col. (R) Dr. Shakeel Ahmad Mirza, Sqn. Ld. (R) Ghulam Abbas, Secretary General of the Kidney Patients Welfare Association, former Commissioner of the Federal Board of Revenue Abdul Hafiz, former Member of the Provincial Assembly Miss Tahseen Fawad, and many senior journalists, health workers, teachers, students, and members of various community sectors. PANAH Secretary General Sana Ullah Ghamman hosted the event.
Dr. Abdul Qayyum Awan emphasized that one of the main reasons for the increase in heart and other NCDs is a careless attitude towards food, particularly the high consumption of fried foods, salt, and sugar. He noted that Pakistan now leads globally in the rapid spread of diabetes due to high sugar intake. He stressed the need to adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce these diseases, with mothers paying special attention to their diet for the sake of their children’s health.
Col. (R) Dr. Shakeel Ahmad Mirza stated that the health of the populace should be a top priority for the government. He praised PANAH’s valuable services for the country’s future, emphasizing that a healthy lifestyle, which includes walking, regular exercise, consuming high quantities of fruits and vegetables, and avoiding smoking, can prevent these diseases.
Former Commissioner Abdul Hafeez highlighted PANAH’s four-decade-long effort to protect the nation, especially the youth, from diabetes, heart disease, and other NCDs through walks, seminars, and conferences. He mentioned that while the government faces financial challenges and explores various revenue-generating options, it could also consider taxing unhealthy foods to reduce NCD risks and generate additional revenue.
Sqn. Ldr. (R) Ghulam Abbas stressed the importance of guiding children and youth towards a healthy life. He urged parents to ensure their children engage in physical sports rather than spending excessive time on mobile devices and computers. He asserted that healthy food is a basic right for children, and parents should prioritize selecting the right foods to prevent various diseases.
Sana Ullah Ghamman, in his speech, reiterated PANAH’s commitment over the past forty years to saving the nation from heart and related diseases. He mentioned that PANAH works with policymakers to develop policies that reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods and collaborates closely with the government, civil society, media, scholars, youth, and teachers to solve health issues. He emphasized that the 32nd annual walk aimed to convey the message that preventing heart and NCDs requires a daily walk, avoiding smoking, and consuming more fruits and vegetables.
Other speakers also emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing diseases.
Editor: Kamran Raja