The alarming rate of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption in Nigeria has led to a national health crisis, with 30% of annual deaths attributed to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Akinbode Oluwafemi has urged journalists and the Federal Government to take action against this growing concern. Oluwafemi said this at the Journalist training session.
Nigeria’s fourth-place global ranking in soft drink consumption is particularly concerning, with over 11 million Nigerians living with diabetes. To combat this, the government implemented a N10 per litre tax on carbonated SSBs in June 2022. However, experts recommend a 20% price increase to effectively reduce consumption.
Oluwafemi emphasized the crucial role of journalists in exposing deceptive marketing practices, advocating for pro-public health policies, and amplifying expert voices.
“Effective implementation of the SSB tax and public health advocacy require collaborative efforts,” he stated.
A public health specialist, Program Director and Chief Editor of Development Communications Network and Nature Africa, Akin Jimoh echoed Oluwafemi’s sentiments. He stressed the importance of journalists in educating the public about SSB health risks, advocating for policy action, and promoting healthier lifestyle choices.
Jimoh stated that Journalists can help make a difference by simplifying complex health data for public understanding, debunking myths and misinformation, promoting health literacy, fact-checking corporate claims and tracking policy implementation.
Successful public health campaigns in Nigeria, such as COVID-19 communication, polio eradication, and malaria advocacy, demonstrate the impact of journalism on health outcomes. Jimoh noted,
“Nigerian journalists have the power to shape public perception and influence policy changes. We must use our platforms to promote healthier options and hold policymakers accountable.
Oluwafemi urged the federal government to increase the tax rate to effectively reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, address how generated tax will be utilized, to ensure value for money and adherence to guidelines at national and sub-national level and also involve the Ministry of Health in decisions on pro-health tax allocation before money is generated
By implementing these measures, the Federal Government and Journalists can play a crucial role in reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and combating non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.
