Tobacco, Junk Food, and Inactivity Driving Surge in Non-Communicable Diseases, NA Told

ISLAMABAD: Tobacco use is one of the main major risks contributing to the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Pakistan, the National Assembly was told last month.

Minister for National Health Services Mustafa Kamal told the National Assembly during the question hour that the rising prevalence of unhealthy dietary practices, including the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, along with physical inactivity, tobacco use and obesity, are among the major modifiable risk factors contributing to the increasing burden of NCDs.

He was responding to a question by MNA Aniqa Mehdi who wanted to know about the alarming increase in non-communicable diseases in the country and the measures the government is taking to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages.

The minister said the government recognizes that (NCDs), including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and other NCDs, have emerged as a major public health challenge. He added that Pakistan has one of the highest burdens of diabetes globally, with approximately 33 million adults living with diabetes.

Kamal informed the House that NCDs account for approximately 60% of all deaths in Pakistan, with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases being the leading causes. "The government recognizes that prevention through healthier diets, increased physical activity and reduction in tobacco use is essential for reducing the growing disease burden."

While enumerating measures for reducing the burden of NCDs, he listed public awareness campaigns promoting healthy diets, physical activity, tobacco cessation and reduced salt and sugar intake. "Fiscal measures include increased taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages to discourage unhealthy dietary practices."