Policies for the taxing of carbonated drinks will help Nigeria beat non-communicable diseases and boost economic productivity, a public health physician and founding member of the National Action on Sugar Reduction Coalition, Dr Laz Ude Eze, has said.
He noted that the country is combating three concurrent health epidemics: communicable diseases (including COVID-19 and cholera), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and road traffic injuries.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2016, estimated that NCDs accounted for about 29 per cent of deaths in Nigeria, which is equivalent to about 2.1million lives that are lost on average to NCDs.
He said: “Many of the documented risk factors associated with NCDs are lifestyle and choice-based. Behavioural risk factors such as excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), inadequate physical activity, tobacco smoking and high caloric intake. None of these has been helped by the urban sedentary lifestyle and diet transition to processed foods and beverages.
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“In Nigeria, the consumption of SSBs is a leading risk factor for NCD-related deaths. According to a 2016 global soft drinks market analysis, Nigeria is the fourth highest consumer in the world market for soft drinks, coming after the United States, China and Mexico.
“With about 38.7 million litres of soft drinks sold yearly and a rising trend in the obesity figures, Nigeria is currently a minefield of NCD-related deaths.
“At the policy level, several instruments are in place to address the root causes of communicable diseases and road traffic injuries, which have been, arguably, successful.
“For NCDs, this is still a work-in-progress. Despite the WHO statistics on the number of deaths resulting from NCDs in Nigeria, this health crisis is yet to be considered a national priority.
“Millions of Nigerians live with and die from type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart disease, fatty liver disease, tooth decay, gout arthritis and increased risk of cancers. Besides the loss of lives, several billions of dollars are lost to health care and productivity costs.
“A 2014 study by Wang Y.C et al found that a 20 per cent tax raise on SSB prices can reduce consumption by around 20 per cent. Two years after South Africa introduced its health promotion levy targeting SSBs, a study by PRICELESS-SA reported that the “sugar tax” led to a reduction in consumption, while taxes from consumers have been used to strengthen the country’s health system. Nigeria can do the same.
“SSB tax policies work because they operate on a population level to create an environment that empowers many people to practice healthy behaviours rather than only a few. This is not a novel idea anymore; countries all over the world have been taxing SSBs with great results. Mexico, for instance, recorded a 9.5 per cent reduction in the purchase of SSBs in 2015; a year after the 1 peso per litre excise tax was introduced.
“Nigeria came close to introducing a similar levy on SSBs but suspended it in 2009 due to industry pressure and global economic concerns.
“Clear labels that carry warnings such as ‘excessive sugar consumption increases the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes’ should accompany every SSB product and advertising. Schools and workplaces should provide healthier SSB alternatives.
“Despite the harsh economic situation and the burden of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, doing nothing about NCDs is not an option. “Consequently, I am excited that the Federal Government has announced a “pro-health” tax increase on soft drinks in Nigeria in the 2022 budget. This tax will enable revenue generation for health programmes, especially those targeted at addressing the NCDs.”
The Nation
Measles outbreak kills 42 in northern Nigerian state
The Adamawa State Government confirmed on Friday evening that 42 individuals have tragically succumbed to a measles outbreak.
Felix Tangwame, the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, disclosed this somber update, specifying that the fatalities occurred in Mubi and Gombi local government areas.
Addressing reporters following a state executive council meeting at the Government House, Yola, Tangwame detailed the extent of the outbreak. He revealed that eight wards in Mubi and seven wards in Gombi were affected by the measles outbreak, resulting in the loss of 42 lives out of 131 and 177 affected individuals, respectively, in the mentioned LGAs.
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In response to the crisis, all local government areas in the state have been placed on red alert as a precautionary measure to prevent further spread.
Tangwame emphasized the promptness of his ministry’s response upon receiving reports of the outbreak, attributing their ability to manage the situation effectively to swift action. He assured that both the government and development partners are actively engaged in addressing the situation.
Nido infant milk neither registered nor sold in Nigeria – NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, on Sunday declared that the Nido infant milk formula, alleged to contain sugar or honey, was not registered and sold in Nigeria.
The director-general of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known in a statement obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
Mr Adeyeye said the attention of NAFDAC’s Management was drawn to an online publication alleging that one of the worlds largest consumer goods company added sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many poorer countries, contrary to international guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases.
It stated that the online publication of April 17, 2024 was being circulated widely to the general public.
Mr Adeyeye said the report further stated that samples of baby food products sold in Asia, Africa and Latin America were tested and results revealed that sugar and honey were added in form of sucrose in samples of Nido and Cerelac.
“The Management of NAFDAC wishes to use this medium to reassure the public that the Agency exercises due regulatory diligence in the registration of infant and young children foods distributed and used in Nigeria.
“This is in line with relevant Codex Alimentarius international food standards (Codex) and more specifically, Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).
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“This is applicable to all categories of infant and young children foods distributed by manufacturers, importers, and marketers of infant and young children foods operating within Nigeria.
“Regarding the mention of Nido follow-up milk formula in the publication, NAFDAC wishes to state that the product is not registered in Nigeria, is not known to the Agency and is not in circulation in Nigeria,” she stated.
According to Ms Adeyeye, the range of Nestle Cerelac infant cereals distributed in Nigeria are duly registered with NAFDAC in line with the Nigerian Industrial Standard for Foods for Infants and Young Children.
“Processed Cereal Based foods (NIS 256:2010) and the Codex Standard for Processed Cereal-based Foods for Infants and Young Children (CXS 74-1981 was adopted in 1981, revised in 2006, amended in 2017, 2019, and 2023), as well as the applicable NAFDAC regulations for compliance with safety, quality, and labelling requirements.
“Adequate, optimal nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to ensure the growth, health, and development of children to their full potential.
“The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) implements the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, developing international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice with the mandate to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair international food trade.
“Nigeria (NAFDAC) is an active participant at these international food standards setting arena to contribute Nigerians positions during food standards development,” it said.
According to the statement, the Agency, on March 22 held a stakeholders engagement with members of the Association of Infant Food Manufacturers and Marketers in Nigeria, AIFMN, anchored by the Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FSAN, Directorate, to further drive home the importance and special place of infant and young child nutrition.
Adeyeye reassured the public that the Agency was fully alive to her responsibilities of assuring the safety, wholesomeness and quality of infant and young children foods offered for sale in Nigeria in compliance with the relevant standards and regulations.
NAN
5 reasons men need to eat pineapple before sexual intercourse
Sex ought to be an enjoyable activity, but many factors can get in the way of such enjoyment. Factors like low libido, lack of stamina, and erections can prevent such enjoyment. That’s why pineapples are so important. Many people believe it only benefits women, but it has many sexual benefits for men.
Pineapples are rich in manganese, an antioxidant that fights free radicals and prevents cellular damage. A manganese deficiency can lead to diseases like heart disease and diabetes, which are linked to erectile dysfunction. However, adequate manganese intake can increase blood flow and prevent infertility.
Pineapples are rich in bromelain, which increases testosterone production and provides many sexual benefits in bed. This hormone regulates libido and encourages nitric oxide oxidation which makes men more sexually active.
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Pineapples are also rich in vitamin C and thiamine which can increase low libido in men. Thiamine stimulates the development of sex hormones, and this is especially important when men can’t have an erection during sex.
Pineapple can help increase sexual stamina, especially for those who find themselves exhausted from sex. Sex requires endurance and stamina, with studies showing men can burn up to 101 calories in 30 minutes of sex. To enjoy bedroom fun without exercising, consider indulging in pineapples, which are rich in vitamins B1 and C, which can help increase sexual stamina.
Pineapple consumption before sex can enhance the taste of ejaculate by making it sweeter. This is due to the high levels of acid and sugar in pineapple, which make semen less bitter and more sweet. The primary benefit for partners is the added sweetness, in case they want to taste it.
Raw pineapple, rich in vitamin C, is an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and prevents inflammation. Studies on rats have linked reduced inflammation to improved blood flow, which is important for sexual health.
This is because healthy blood flow is essential for achieving sexual arousal and erectile function for penetrative sex. This increased blood flow and higher blood pressure within the penis make the penis firm and erect.
Finally, a cup of pineapple or one pineapple finely chopped is enough; do not eat more than that, as it will have the opposite effect.
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