WHO Lauds Sri Lanka’s Move on Trans Fat: A Milestone in Health Protection

Sri Lanka’s Enactment of Trans Fat Legislation to Combat Coronary Heart Disease Receives International Acclaim

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently commended Sri Lanka for its progressive step in enacting legislation to regulate trans fats, a significant contributor to coronary heart disease. The move highlights Sri Lanka’s commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing premature deaths. This article examines the significance of this legislation and its potential impact on the population’s well-being.

The Health Hazards of Trans Fat

Trans fats, commonly found in industrially produced oils and food products, pose a significant health risk. Their consumption has increased the likelihood of coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. According to WHO, a high intake of trans fats elevates the risk of death from any cause by 34%, coronary heart disease deaths by 28%, and the incidence of coronary heart disease by 21%. In the WHO South-East Asia Region, where non-communicable diseases account for a significant proportion of deaths, eliminating trans fats has become a crucial priority.

Sri Lanka’s Determined Approach

Recognizing the urgency of addressing this health concern, Sri Lanka has taken a decisive stance by implementing legislation to regulate the levels of trans fats in oils and food products. The primary objective is to ban partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of trans fats in the food industry. By adopting this legislation, Sri Lanka reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens.

WHO’s Praise for Sri Lanka

The World Health Organization’s Regional Director for South-East Asia, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, has applauded Sri Lanka’s efforts in eliminating trans fats. Dr. Singh emphasizes that removing trans fats from the food supply is cost-effective and carries immense health benefits. Sri Lanka’s legislation exemplifies the country’s dedication to protecting and promoting the health of its population.

A Regional Approach to Health

Sri Lanka’s actions align with WHO’s vision of a multi-sectoral approach to combat non-communicable diseases in Southeast Asia. WHO has been advocating for collaborative efforts among member countries since 2014. By accelerating progress in eliminating trans fats through comprehensive policies, robust monitoring and surveillance systems, and the adoption of healthier oil alternatives, the region can make significant strides in addressing non-communicable diseases.

Global Progress in Trans Fat Elimination

The WHO’s REPLACE initiative, launched in 2018, aims to eliminate industrially-produced trans-fatty acids from the global food supply by 2023. Several countries in the South-East Asia Region have already taken significant steps to regulate and reduce trans fat content in their food supply. Thailand, India, and Bangladesh have implemented regulations, and with Sri Lanka joining the effort, the collective impact of these countries’ actions may potentially protect over 1.6 billion people from the harmful effects of trans fats.

A Promising Future

Encouragingly, other countries in the region, including Nepal and Indonesia, are progressing in limiting trans fats, while Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste have made policy commitments toward this goal. These concerted efforts, coupled with the implementation of trans fat regulations, have the potential to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal targets of reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases by one-third by 2030.

CONCLUSION

Sri Lanka’s enactment of legislation to regulate trans fats represents a significant milestone in the global fight against cardiovascular diseases. WHO’s commendation highlights the country’s commitment to public health and inspires other nations. By eliminating trans fats from the food supply and promoting healthier alternatives, Sri Lanka and other countries in the region are paving the way for a healthier future, enhancing the well-being of their populations, and contributing to the attainment of global health targets.

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