Non-Communicable Diseases Account for 71% of Deaths: Urgent Action Needed -Speakers at Senior Journalists’ Workshop
The risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, diabetes, and cancer is significantly increasing due to the excessive consumption of unhealthy ultra-processed foods, high in sugar, salt (sodium), saturated fats, and trans fats. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 71% of all deaths in Bangladesh are caused by non-communicable diseases. The introduction of Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) on packaged foods has been identified as an effective strategy to curb diet-related NCDs. In addition, ensuring uninterrupted supply of medicines for all is a crucial step in addressing hypertension-related NCDs. These observations were shared by speakers today (April 23) at a workshop for senior journalists on "Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases in Banglad...