Olivia Johnson
Wed, Aug 30, 2023 6:35 PMNigeria Ranked as the Highest Soft Drink Consuming Nation in the World
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Nigeria has been identified as the highest soft drink consuming country in the world, with an estimated 38.6 million soft drinks being sold daily. This alarming statistic raises concerns about the health risks associated with the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Dr. Amadi Dorothy, Deputy Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases division at the Federal Ministry of Health, emphasized the need for interventions such as the SSB tax to address the rising non-communicable diseases burden in Nigeria.
In an eye-opening revelation, Nigeria has emerged as the global leader in soft drink consumption, with a staggering 38.6 million soft drinks being sold every day. Dr. Amadi Dorothy, a prominent public health expert at the Federal Ministry of Health, has expressed serious concerns about the implications of this epidemic.
Soft drinks, also known as sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), encompass a wide range of beverages containing various forms of added or natural sugars, including soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, coffee, tea beverages, and energy drinks. Dr. Amadi stressed that habitual SSB consumption has been closely linked to the escalation of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, kidney diseases, and certain types of cancer.
The rise in obesity rates, incidence of diabetes, and dental issues can be largely attributed to the frequent consumption of SSBs in Nigeria. Furthermore, Dr. Amadi highlighted the alarming association between SSB intake and various forms of cancer.
Fortunately, the implementation of a Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax has been recognized as a highly effective strategy to curb the consumption of these harmful beverages. By imposing a tax on SSBs, the aim is to reduce their consumption, thereby mitigating the incidence and prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
A recent study published in Jama Network revealed that individuals who consume one or more sugar-sweetened beverages daily have an 85% higher risk of liver cancer and a 68% higher risk of mortality due to chronic liver disease compared to those who consume three or fewer sugar-sweetened beverages per month.
The initiation of an ad-hoc committee by the Non-Communicable Disease Division of the Federal Ministry of Health signifies the government's commitment to addressing the NCDs burden in Nigeria through the implementation of the SSB tax. The committee comprises representatives from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, all of whom play critical roles in ensuring the success of this tax initiative.
By implementing the SSB tax, the government aims to discourage excessive soft drink consumption, promoting healthier beverage choices, and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases on the Nigerian population. The revenue generated from the tax could also be allocated to public health initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the risks associated with SSB consumption and promoting healthier lifestyles.
As Nigeria takes the lead in global soft drink consumption, it is crucial for the government, health agencies, and individuals to acknowledge the health risks associated with SSBs and take proactive measures to address this issue. The introduction of the SSB tax represents a significant step towards safeguarding the health and well-being of the Nigerian population in the face of rising non-communicable diseases.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-30 News
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