The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently released a report on the progress of sodium reduction policies and other measures to improve health and reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The report highlights the following major points:

Off-Track to Achieve Global Target

The world is off-track to achieve its global target of reducing sodium intake by 30 percent in the next two years (by 2025).

Cost-Effective Way to Improve Health

Reducing sodium intake is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve health and reduce the burden of NCDs. It can avert a large number of cardiovascular events and deaths at very low total program costs.

Global Burden of Unhealthy Diets

The global burden of unhealthy diets constitutes a major public health and development challenge worldwide. Urgent action is required to modify the production and consumption of foods and beverages, including industry-manufactured (pre-packaged) food.

Lack of Comprehensive Sodium Reduction Policies

Only 5% of WHO Member States are protected by mandatory and comprehensive sodium reduction policies, and 73% of WHO Member States lack the full range of implementation of such policies.

Issues with High Sodium Intake

The largest number of diet-related deaths, an estimated 1.89 million each year, is associated with excessive intake of sodium, a well-established cause of raised blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The global average salt intake is estimated to be 10.8 grams per day, more than double the WHO recommendation of less than five grams of salt per day (one teaspoon). More evidence is emerging documenting links between high sodium intake and increased risk of other health conditions such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, and kidney disease.

NCDs in India

NCDs account for 60% of all deaths in India, with cardiovascular diseases contributing to 45% of all NCD deaths followed by chronic respiratory disease (22 %), cancers (12 %), and diabetes (3%). Tobacco use has been identified as the single largest risk factor attributable to NCDs. The prevalence of obesity and overweight is also showing a rapid increase in trends. Nearly one out of every ten persons aged 18 years and above in India has raised blood glucose. More than two-thirds of the adolescents aged 11-17 years are physically inactive in India as per WHO standards. The level of physical inactivity among adults is around 13%.

Steps Taken by Government of India to Prevent NCDs

The government of India has taken various steps to prevent NCDs, including the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS). The government provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs under the program as part of the National Health Mission (NHM). The program focuses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion & awareness generation for cancer prevention, early diagnosis, management, and referral to an appropriate level of healthcare facility for treatment of the NCDs. Other initiatives include screening under NHM, Ayushman Bharat Health Wellness Centre scheme, and awareness programs like National Cancer Awareness Day & World Cancer Day. The Fit India Movement is also implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and various yoga-related activities are carried out by the Ministry of AYUSH.

Recommendations by WHO

WHO recommends lowering sodium content in food products; implementing front-of-pack labeling to help consumers select food products with lower sodium content; conducting mass media campaigns to alter consumer behavior around sodium; and implementing public food procurement and service policies to reduce sodium content in food served or sold. Modeling indicates the estimated potential impact of policy implementation on sodium intake to be a 23% reduction, and on cardiovascular death a 3% reduction, globally, by 2030

MCQs on High Sodium Intake

  1. What is the estimated global average daily salt intake, according to the essay?
    A. 5 grams per day
    B. 10.8 grams per day
    C. 15 grams per day
    D. 20 grams per day
    Correct Answer: B. 10.8 grams per day
    Explanation: The essay states that the global average salt intake is estimated to be 10.8 grams per day, which is more than double the WHO recommendation of less than five grams of salt per day (one teaspoon).
  2. Which country has implemented the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS)?
    A. Japan
    B. Brazil
    C. India
    D. South Africa
    Correct Answer: C. India
    Explanation: As mentioned in the essay, the government of India has taken various steps to prevent NCDs, including the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS).
  3. What is one of the recommendations made by WHO to reduce sodium intake?
    A. Implement front-of-pack labeling to help consumers select food products with lower sodium content
    B. Encourage the production and consumption of industry-manufactured (pre-packaged) food
    C. Increase global salt intake by 30 percent in the next two years
    D. None of the above
    Correct Answer: A. Implement front-of-pack labeling to help consumers select food products with lower sodium content
    Explanation: As mentioned in the essay, WHO recommends lowering sodium content in food products; implementing front-of-pack labeling to help consumers select food products with lower sodium content; conducting mass media campaigns to alter consumer behavior around sodium; and implementing public food procurement and service policies to reduce sodium content in food served or sold.

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