What people today generally refer to as “Soft Drinks” are no where near soft as research has shown that they result to life threatening Non- Communicable Diseases, NCDs.
Otherwise known as Sugar Sweetened Beverages SSBs, these drinks are said to be the chief of Unhealthy diets identified as one of the factors that contribute to the health burden of Non-Communicable Disease.
Some young Nigerians who advocate for food justice and public health, at an engagement with the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande in Abuja, sought his intervention for policy instruments that can reduce the consumption of unhealthy diets by youths.
Every day, millions of Nigerians consume sugary drinks otherwise known as Sugar Sweetened Beverages without considering the health risks.
A report by the World Health Organization shows that Sugar-Sweetened Beverages are among the leading contributors to rising cases of cancer, Obesity, Diabetes, hypertension and other forms of Cardiovascular diseases .
So the cost of an SSB is not that 500 naira you pay to buy a bottle of drink but the amount you pay to treat the associated non-communicable disease.
Worried by the alarming rate of consumption of these drinks and other ultra-processed food among Nigerians, particularly young people, as well as the rate at which they are diagnosed of cardiovascular diseases in their 20s, the Healthy Food Youth Advocates are seeking the co-operation of the Minister of Youths Development, Ayodele Olawande in the push for an upward review of taxes on SSBs in Nigeria.
Research has proven that SSB tax is one sure way of increasing their prices with a view to forcing down their consumption to reduce the associated health burden.
They also want Government to plough back all revenues from SSB tax into public health.
The Minister expressed joy that youths are beginning to take their destiny in their hands by advocating on health issues that concern them and pledged his support for health policies that protect young people.
Nearly 30% of all deaths in Nigeria annually are attributable to the consumption of unhealthy diets including SSBs.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
