Health advocates, under the aegis of the Network for Health Equity and Development, have said that reducing excess salt consumption is critical to curbing the country's high maternal and child mortality rates.
The Country Director, of the organisation, Dr Emmanuel Sokpo, in a statement on Tuesday to mark this year's World Health Day, said, research has shown that excess salt consumption increases the risk of high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, and preterm births-all of which can lead to maternal and newborn deaths.
He said despite these dangers, many Nigerian women unknowingly consume high amounts of sodium hidden in processed foods such as seasonings, bouillon cubes, and instant noodles.
He said nutrition plays a critical role in ensuring maternal and newborn health, adding that this year's theme, 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures', calls for urgent action to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths-many of which are linked to poor diets, excessive sodium intake, and limited access to nutrition information.
While saying there is a need for stronger nutrition policies to protect mothers and babies, he said Nigeria must implement mandatory sodium reduction targets and adopt front-of-pack warning labels (FOPL) to help consumers identify high sodium foods.
'Nutrition is a fundamental part of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and should be prioritised to prevent pregnancy complications and ensure healthy births,' he said.
He called on government agencies, health professionals, and food industry regulators to enforce sodium reduction policies to prevent diet-related health risks in pregnant women.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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