Health ministry unveils nutrient profile model to curb diet-related diseases

Elizabeth Ochanda-PCO 

A nutrient profile model has been developed in efforts to address the rising burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The model will set thresholds for three nutrients of concern: sodium, sugar, and saturated fats, strongly linked to NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

As such, the Ministry of Health developed a range of policy and regulatory measures to support the implementation of the model.

As part of its strategy to reduce the national burden of NCDs and promote healthier lifestyles among all Kenyans the ministry said, is committed to advance preventive health measures.

These include introducing regulations to discourage the consumption of unhealthy foods, implementing fiscal policies to reduce the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, and enforcing front-of-pack nutrition labelling to provide consumers with clear information and warnings about unhealthy food products.

Potential partnerships to support the finalization and implementation of Kenya’s food policy framework were discussed in a consultative meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni.

During the meeting with representatives from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the PS said it is important to align all partnerships with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda to ensure all interventions are impactful.

“We must ensure that our people are protected from preventable diseases through effective, evidence-based interventions,” she stated.

She said the partnerships will be built on the foundation of accountability and results.