PANAH’s call for policy measures to combat the growing burden of NCDs in Pakistan.
The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is escalating in Pakistan. Alarming statistics reveal that over 41% of adults in Pakistan are either obese or overweight. Additionally, more than 33 million people are currently living with diabetes, with another 10 million on the verge of developing the disease. Without immediate policy interventions, the number of individuals with diabetes is projected to surge to 62 million by 2045.
Ultra-processed food and beverage products (UPPs), often laden with excessive sugar, salt, and trans-fats, significantly contribute to this health crisis. An unhealthy diet stands as a major modifiable risk factor for NCDs. The absence of evidence based policies like front of pack nutrition labelling and warning signs on ultra processed foods is among the p...