In a letter dated January 5, 2024, Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi responded to Shri Rahul V. Karad, Founder of The National Legislators' Conference, expressing his deep concern over the rising tide of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Bharat. The exchange highlights the critical need for collective action to tackle this pressing issue.
The National Legislators' Conference 2023: A Platform for Deliberation
Shri Rahul V. Karad initiated the conversation by underscoring the significance of the National Legislators' Conference 2023, held in Mumbai from June 15 to 17. This gathering brought together over 2,000 Members of Legislative Assemblies and Councils, thought leaders, policy experts, and social & political leaders. The comprehensive report enclosed with the letter serves as a testament to the commitment and wisdom of the participants, reflecting their efforts to address the multifaceted challenges shaping the nation's development trajectory.
Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi responded by acknowledging the collective commitment demonstrated at the conference and expressed eagerness for continued support in their altruistic mission.
The Rising Tide of NCDs: A Crossroads for Bharat
Dr. Raghuvanshi's subsequent letter delves into the alarming surge of NCDs, especially among the youth, positioning Bharat as the second-highest in childhood obesity rates globally. Citing data from the National Family Health Survey 2019-21 (NFHS-5), he revealed a staggering 60% increase in childhood obesity over the past five years, affecting nearly 15 million children.
Compounding the issue is the escalation of ultra-processed packaged food consumption, laden with salt, sugar, and saturated fats. This has led to an obesity rate of around 25% among adults aged 15 to 49, coupled with a disturbing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among the youth.
FSSAI's Endeavors: A Step Towards Healthier Choices
Dr. Raghuvanshi lauded the efforts of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in addressing the health crisis through evidence-based front-of-pack labeling regulations. This initiative aims to empower consumers with information, encouraging food manufacturers to produce and promote healthier alternatives. The proposed warning label, explicitly cautioning against the health risks associated with certain ingredients, marks a crucial step in fostering a healthier dietary culture in Bharat.
The Role of Political Support: A Call for Action
Highlighting the pivotal role of political support, Dr. Raghuvanshi urged leaders to champion the cause. With 60% of deaths in Bharat attributed to NCDs according to NFHS-5, he stressed the need for urgent and transformative action. The support from institutions like AIIMS, the National Institute of Nutrition, and the International Institute of Population Science underscores the gravity of the situation.
The letter concludes with a call to action, urging recipients to leverage their contacts and make a fervent appeal for the inclusion of a warning label Front of Package label (FOPL) for unregulated packaged foods. Dr. Raghuvanshi expressed confidence that collective efforts can curb deaths due to NCDs and protect the nutritional well-being of citizens.
For a more in-depth understanding of this critical issue, he invited readers to explore his articles on the subject. The exchange between Shri Rahul V. Karad and Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi exemplifies a shared commitment to addressing the urgent challenge of NCDs in Bharat, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of the nation's citizens.
Link: https://healthofchidren.blogspot.com/2024/01/tackling-silent-crisis-call-to-address.html
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