WHO call for more polices to reduce sodium intake backed
A LAWMAKER on Sunday strongly supported the call of the World Health Organization (WHO) to implement more comprehensive policies to reduce sodium intake. ‘
“AnaKalusugan has always been active in pushing for legislation that will promote the health of Filipinos and we are one with the World Health Organization in pushing for more effective strategies to reduce salt intake,” Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Ray Reyes said.
According to WHO, an adult should only have a maximum intake of fewer than 2,000 mg of sodium per day.
However, as of October 2022, the Philippines’ estimated daily dietary sodium intake is 4,113 mg.
“Reducing our salt intake will not only improve our health but also lower the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and premature death,” he added.
Data from WHO show that 20 percent of Filipino adults are diagnosed with high blood pressure and 35 percent of all deaths in the Philippines were due to cardiovascular disease.
“Lasting and meaningful change always starts from within. We urge our kababayans to put less salt in the food they prepare and buy foods that contain less sodium,” Reyes said.
Reyes reiterated that his group would continue to advocate for the inclusion of health in the government’s policies, particularly in the allocation of resources and the efficient implementation of universal health care.
“Aside from this, we will continue to push for measures that we have spearheaded in Congress, including free medical checkups and the removal of value-added tax on maintenance medicines,” he added.
