Raising Awareness through Public Health and Nutrition Initiatives

Raising Awareness through Public Health and Nutrition Initiatives

Raising Awareness through Public Health and Nutrition Initiatives

Since its establishment, the United Nations (UN) has been dedicated to advancing global health. The World Health Organization (WHO), a part of the UN, has played a central role in these efforts since its creation on April 7, 1948. 

This date is now celebrated annually as World Health Day worldwide. Initially, WHO focused on addressing challenges like malaria, women's and infant's health, tuberculosis, venereal disease, nutrition, and environmental pollution-related health issues. 

Many of these priorities remain, alongside newer concerns such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cancer, and emerging diseases like SARS, Ebola, and Zika.

In 1948, WHO introduced the International Classification of Diseases, which has become the global standard for categorizing and reporting health conditions. In 2012, member states established global goals to combat heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other non-communicable diseases. 

Another milestone is World Diabetes Day on November 14th, observed since 2007, encouraging nations to develop policies for diabetes care in line with sustainable health systems.

According to WHO, trans fats contribute to over 500,000 cardiovascular-related deaths annually. To address this, WHO introduced "REPLACE" on May 14, 2018—a guide to remove industrially-produced trans-fatty acids from the global food supply. 

These unhealthy fats are commonly found in hardened vegetable fats, like margarine and ghee, as well as snacks, baked goods, and fried foods. 

Safer alternatives exist that don't compromise taste or cost. WHO's Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized that adopting the six strategic actions under REPLACE would significantly combat cardiovascular disease.

The six REPLACE actions are as follows:

Review sources of trans fats and assess policy changes needed.

Promote healthier fats to replace trans fats in food production.

Legislate to eliminate industrially-produced trans fats.

Monitor trans fats in the food supply and decrease their consumption.

Raise awareness of the health risks associated with trans fats.

Enforce policies and regulations.

Some high-income countries have successfully limited trans fats in packaged foods, while others banned partially hydrogenated oils, the primary source of trans fats. Action is required in low- and middle-income countries to achieve global health benefits.

WHO recommends consuming less than 1% of total energy from trans fats (less than 2.2g/day in a 2000-calorie diet). High trans fat intake increases heart disease risk by 21% and mortality by 28%. 

Trans fats also elevate inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, contributing to cardiovascular issues.

In response to global nutrition challenges, WHO created an e-learning platform called the Nutrition Knowledge Hub (NKH) on January 17, 2019. 

This platform enhances WHO staff's nutrition expertise through online courses, aiming to boost nutrition impact at the country level. 

Additionally, various global health programs and initiatives are raising awareness and promoting personalized nutrition.

Content source courtesy:h ttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7217104