Network for Health Equity and Development and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, along with its coalition partners advocates for the Nigerian government to quickly approve draft Regulations initiated by the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, seeking to reduce the consumption of foods containing trans-fatty acids in the country.
Trans-fatty acids (TFAs) are unhealthy fats that come in both artificial and natural forms. Artificial trans-fatty acids are formed through an industrial process called hydrogenation, in which companies add hydrogen to vegetable oil and other products. Foods containing trans-fatty acids are artery-clogging and increase cholesterol levels in humans, which experts claim cause a high risk of cardiovascular disease. TFAs are said to be common in baked goods, fries, pre-packaged foods, and cooking oils. Butter, salmon, egg yolks, and cows’ milk are also natural sources of trans fat.
Trans fats have been linked to increases in the risk of diabetes, obesity, cancers, dementia and death, even; and estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO) show that over 250,000 persons die yearly from complications associated with the consumption of foods high in trans fats.
Our advocacy journey so far:
Tune into one of the press interviews of NHED’s technical lead, her coalition partners, and relevant stakeholders below:
Our Technical Lead on this advocacy project, Dr. Jerome Mafeni, also highlighted that: “Trans-fat consumption has become a major public health concern, even more so at this period of the COVID 19 pandemic. The government needs firm and stiff regulations to promote a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle so as to reduce our national cardiovascular diseases burden.”
