WHO’s tips on the function of low-sodium options have to be communicated successfully to the general public, say specialists
| Photograph Credit score: AFP
The sixth World Hypertension Congress 2025, held on the Chennai Commerce Centre, mentioned the function of low-sodium salt substitutes (LSSS) in decreasing hypertension, whereas additionally addressing important gaps in consciousness, accessibility, and coverage assist.
Organised by The George Institute for International Well being, in collaboration with Resolve to Save Lives, the occasion pressured the pressing must combine LSSS into public well being methods. Vivekanand Jha of The George Institute opened the session by declaring the necessity to deal with excessive salt consumption, which may result in hypertension, by means of a mixed effort from the federal government, healthcare suppliers, and the general public.
Within the panel dialogue that adopted, Meenakshi Bajaj, dietician on the Tamil Nadu Authorities Multi Tremendous Speciality Hospital, pressured the significance of dietary literacy and referred to the World Well being Group’s tips on sodium consumption, emphasising the necessity for decreasing dietary salt to fight hypertension.
Dr. Bajaj additionally addressed issues about the fee obstacles in selling salt options, “Amma Low-sodium Salt, as soon as offered at ₹10 per kg, was discontinued as a result of lack of public consciousness, a problem that also persists,” she stated.
Rajan Ravichandran, Director of MIOT Institute of Nephrology, pressured the necessity for medical tips to assist LSSS adoption. “Physicians shouldn’t be hesitant to prescribe low-sodium salt diets, and State-backed tips can construct confidence in them,” he stated, including that issues akin to hyperkalemia (from potassium-based salts) should even be addressed.
Speaking about Nigeria’s expertise, Dike Ojji from the College of Abuja shared findings from his survey of 46 supermarkets, the place LSSS was obtainable in solely 12, priced as excessive as $7. “We want higher distribution and educate public on sodium-reduction insurance policies,” he stated.
Printed – March 07, 2025 09:49 pm IST
