Experts at a webinar held on Sunday (2 February), emphasised the vital role of safe food in combating hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh.
The event, titled “Safe Food to Combat Hypertension Risk”, was organised by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) in collaboration with Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) to mark National Food Safety Day, reads a press release.
Hypertension, responsible for over 10 million deaths globally each year, is primarily influenced by unhealthy dietary habits and unsafe food. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these deaths can be prevented through policy measures focusing on healthier diets. Experts urged the reduction of salt intake, alongside increased consumption of vegetables and fibre-rich foods, to control blood pressure.
Dr. Mohammad Mostafa, Member of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), stressed the importance of ensuring safe food through effective legislation and enforcement, including regulations on trans fats and food labeling.
Dr. Nazma Shaheen, a professor at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, Dhaka University, recommended a diet rich in vegetables, nuts, and unprocessed foods while minimizing salt, sugar, and saturated fat to control hypertension, in line with WHO guidelines.
Shamsun Naher Nahid, Head of Nutrition at BIRDEM General Hospital, highlighted that reducing excess salt, saturated fat, and red meat intake, combined with lifestyle changes, could help in managing hypertension.
Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead for GHAI, stressed the need for proper laws and policies to ensure food safety and promote public awareness.
The event, which was chaired by PROGGA’s Executive Director ABM Zubair and moderated by Sadia Galiba Prova, attracted participants from various professions across Bangladesh.
This year's National Food Safety Day was observed under the theme "Khaddo Hok Nirapad, Shustho Thakuk Janagan" (Let Food Be Safe, People Stay Healthy).
