Given the high number of cardiovascular diseases, gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and kidney problems in Nigeria, the Federal government has identified high consumption of salt and has therefore warned against taking too much of it.
At the inauguration and inception workshop of the National Sodium Reduction Technical Working Group, the permanent Sectary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Kachelom Daju stated that Reducing Salt intake is one of the most effective measures to improve health and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.
According to her, ” the inauguration of the National Sodium Reduction Technical group is in response to WHO recommendation for member states to address high intake of salt (sodium) in their populations ,”
” Considering the WHO recommendation for member states to reduce intake of salt (sodium) by 30% by year 2025 and study findings in some parts of our country that average adult consume much sodium per day, which is higher than the WHO recommended 2g of sodium equivalent to 1 teaspoon consumption per day and in addition to insufficient potassium intake in our diets, adding that, adding that, ” the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is poised to formulate policies and national strategies with the aim of the creating environment for Nigerian masses to consume adequate quantities of safe and nutritious foods with appropriate salt content and improve dietary habits of the masses” Daju
The Permanent Secretary. Represented by the Director, food and drug services of the Ministry, Mrs OLUBUMI ARIBEANA outlined the terms of reference of the Technical Working Group include, ” to develop a comprehensive National Sodium Reduction Guideline for an effective and efficient approach to sodium Reduction in the country ” She said.
” The TWG is also expected to coordinate the overall operationalisation of the developed National Guideline and set a timeline for its implementation “
According to WHO, globally, She said and I quote, ” excess of sodium intake is responsible for about 1.65 million deaths annually and average sodium intake in 181 countries is twice the level recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO) “
” Although, it is also a known fact that sodium is an essential nutrient necessary for maintenance of body plasma volume; acid-base balance; transmission of nerve impulse and normal cell function, ” dietary sodium consumption which is dependent on cultural and dietary habits of citizens has led to over consumption ” . Daju
The Permanent Secretary therefore called for close monitoring of Industries and food production companies to comply with international food safety standards.
Ms Kachelom Daju expressed worry that in every home today in Nigeria there must be one person on HBP drugs, caused by mainly high salt intake which underscores the need for reduced salt intake in foods.
Experts say high sodium intake comes from variety of natural foods like milk, meat, shellfish, and processed foods such as breads, processed meat, snacks, spices as well as in bouillon cubes.
But WHO recommends only two gramms of salt (sodium) per person a day.
Members of the Technical Working Group were drawn from different sectors of the Economy.
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