Six in Ten Deaths in Pakistan Linked to Non-Communicable Diseases

News Desk

Islamabad: An estimated six out of ten deaths in Pakistan are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with cardiovascular diseases alone accounting for three out of every ten fatalities.

Additionally, Pakistan has one of the highest obesity rates, and over 40 percent of the population suffers from diabetes.

These alarming statistics were revealed by Sanaullah Ghumman during a consultation session organized by the Young Journalists Association (YJA) in coordination with PANAH, a non-governmental organization focused on NCDs.

The session highlighted the rising prevalence of NCDs among the youth and the media’s significant role in addressing this growing crisis. Ghumman attributed much of the issue to lifestyle factors, particularly unhealthy diets, and stressed the urgency of preventive measures.

Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), he revealed that Pakistanis consume twice the recommended amount of salt and sugar, contributing to an upsurge in obesity and diabetes.

“These diseases are preventable through simple dietary changes,” Ghumman emphasized.

“We must advocate for warning labels on food items high in sugar, salt, and cholesterol, similar to Saudi Arabia’s taxation policy on sugary drinks to curb consumption.”YJA President Mohammad Yousaf Khan highlighted the increasing cases of heart disease among young journalists and professionals working in high-stress environments. “Many young journalists are falling prey to heart diseases, which is a growing concern we must address collectively.

This workshop aims to explore preventive measures and empower the public through responsible media coverage,” he stated.

Moderating the session, YJA Joint Secretary Anila Bashir underscored the urgent need for focused discussions on tackling NCDs, particularly among young journalists. She urged media professionals to collaborate on best practices and strategies to address the crisis effectively.

Adding to the discourse, journalist Shazia Mehboob highlighted the compounded threat of climate change and its direct correlation with rising health issues. She also warned against the spread of fake health news on social media, emphasizing the media’s responsibility in safeguarding public health by ensuring accurate information dissemination.

Anchor Mahnoor Qureshi stressed that public awareness regarding the health impacts of climate change is crucial. “The media’s role has never been more important. Journalists must ensure accuracy in reporting and conduct follow-ups to sustain public awareness,” she stated.

Sonia Satti, Finance Secretary of YJA, reiterated the need for proactive media engagement in combating NCDs. “Our role as journalists is pivotal. We must use our platforms to inform, influence, and inspire change,” she asserted.

YJA General Secretary Malik Zubair Awan acknowledged the valuable contributions of all speakers and participants in addressing the urgent health crisis in Pakistan.