Experts emphasized the need for better food governance to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and ensure food security at a seminar organized by the Islamabad Food Authority and the Centre for Governance and Public Accountability. They highlighted the impact of NCDs on the health and well-being of individuals, with NCDs responsible for a significant number of premature deaths in the country.
Public Health Expert Dr. Shakeel Mirza suggested fiscal policies such as increased taxes on ultra-processed foods, with the revenue being diverted to healthcare services. Dr. Yusra Gillani discussed the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing integrated care services for NCD management. Zubair Faisal Abbasi emphasized the need for updated standards in food governance to improve the quality and nutritional value of food products.
Dr. Lubna Naz highlighted the dual burden of diseases faced by Pakistan and stressed the importance of a political economy approach in governance solutions. Participants at the seminar also called for pro-health policies, including subsidies on healthy foods for low-income individuals and government procurement mechanisms that discourage the use of harmful dietary factors.