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The World Health Organization (WHO) has extended its congratulations to Nepal for taking decisive action to restrict levels of industrially produced trans-fatty acids in the food supply through legislation, a move applauded for its potential to promote health and save lives.
Ms. Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, emphasized the significance of eliminating trans-fatty acids, stating, “Eliminating trans-fatty acids is a cost-effective measure with great health benefits in preventing premature deaths from cardiovascular diseases.” The legislation is part of a broader effort to prioritize the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the region.
With Nepal’s implementation of this legislation, nearly 80% of the population in the WHO South-East Asia Region, totaling 1.6 billion people, will potentially be protected from the harmful effects of trans-fatty acids, underscoring its impact on public health.
Globally, the intake of industrially produced trans-fatty acids is linked to approximately 540,000 deaths each year, primarily due to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Recognizing that trans fat offers no known health benefits, WHO has been actively advocating for its elimination from national food supplies.
In the WHO South-East Asia Region, NCDs are responsible for 69% of nearly 9 million deaths annually, with cardiovascular diseases being a leading cause. The WHO initiative, known as REPLACE, outlines six strategies to guide countries in eliminating industrially produced trans-fatty acids, with Nepal joining other nations in adopting these measures.
By issuing legislation on trans-fatty acids, Nepal has joined the ranks of Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, which have implemented or adopted regulations aimed at eliminating trans fats from food supplies. These efforts align with WHO’s SEA HEARTS initiative, which aims to protect two billion people from the harmful effects of trans-fatty acids by 2025.
The WHO has been urging countries in the region to prioritize best-practice policies, monitoring, and surveillance to drive progress against trans-fatty acids. Last month, Thailand received recognition from WHO as one of the first five recipients of a certificate validating progress in eliminating industrially produced trans-fatty acids.
Eliminating trans-fatty acids from the food supply not only enhances the health and well-being of populations but also contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal targets, particularly the goal of reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030.
Nepal’s commitment to restricting trans-fatty acids represents a significant step towards improving public health and underscores the importance of concerted efforts to address preventable risk factors associated with NCDs.
The full article can be accessed on the WHO website.
