October 11, (THEWILL) – Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, has tasked journalists to use their different platforms to advocate for the effective implementation of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Tax.
He stated that in Nigeria, over 11 million people are living with diabetes, adding that the country’s status as the fourth-largest soft drink consumer calls for significant concern, necessitating urgent policy solutions.
Oluwafemi spoke on the first day of a journalism training session which focused on sugar-sweetened beverages and industry monitoring, held in Lagos on Thursday. He noted that Nigeria’s government introduced N10 tax per litre to discourage excessive consumption of carbonated sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs).
According to him, Nigeria faces a health crisis due to high rates of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), particularly sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs).
He, therefore, stressed the critical role of the media in raising awareness about the health and economic impacts of sugary drinks and pushing for policies that regulate their consumption for the well-being of the population. “It is essential to collaborate to ensure that our communities have access to accurate information, that policymakers are held accountable for national policy framework, and that public health remains a top priority in our communities and country.”
He acknowledged the need for capacity building for media practitioners aimed at addressing habitual sugar-sweetened drink consumption. He observed that there is also the need to address individual lives and communities while using media for public benefit.
“This is less than the worldwide suggested 20% rise in retail price. In order to draw in customers, manufacturers still employ dishonest marketing, content disclosure, and exaggerated claims about nutrition. Public health policy interventions are greatly aided by the work of journalists.
“Media practitioners can highlight social concerns and promote public health policy changes, such as the successful excise on sugar-sweetened beverages. They can also highlight regulatory gaps and reveal SSB firms’ business practices. Storytelling that connects with the public and emphasizes negative health effects is crucial for public health advocacy”, he added.
Akin Jimoh, Programme Director of Development Communications Network, who is also Chief Editor of Nature Africa, in his keynote speech on the role of Nigerian journalists in addressing sugar-sweetened beverages, said that Nigerian journalists play crucial roles in promoting public health policies related to sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). He emphasised that SSBs are linked to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which are responsible for 74% of global deaths.
The medical physiologist and public health specialist highlighted the rising consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages in Nigeria, particularly among children and adolescents. “Studies have shown a strong link between sugary drinks (SSBs) and the risk of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Nigerian journalists, he emphasised, play a crucial role in shaping public perceptions, raising awareness, and holding policymakers accountable for addressing these health challenges.
“Regular consumption of SSBs has been associated with higher risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, dental caries, and other NCDs.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO), in a publication on August 9, 2023, highlighted that dietary free sugars, largely consumed through sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), are recognised as a major contributor to the global obesity pandemic. This growing concern has sparked efforts to reduce the intake of SSBs to combat the rising rates of obesity and related Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) worldwide.
“Despite these very evident health risks, a researcher noted in 2019, public awareness of the danger that the consumption of SSBs poses to health remains low in Nigeria,” he noted.
Continuing, he said: “Journalists play a crucial role in public health policies, particularly regarding sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and their impact on health. They educate the public about the hidden sugars in SSBs, breaking down complex health data into accessible information. Journalists also advocate for policy enforcement, holding governments accountable for reducing SSB consumption and curbing NCDs.
By amplifying the voices of health experts, activists, and individuals affected by NCDs, they can push for stricter regulations, increased sugar taxes, and broader public health campaigns. Through this combination of education and advocacy, Nigerian journalists contribute to improved health literacy and promote healthier lifestyle choices.
“They need to continue to rise to this challenge by using their several platforms to push and implement healthier options, upholding public health policies, and by doing so, ensuring a much healthier and stronger future for Nigeria.”
Participants at the session included public health professionals and journalists drawn from different media organisations in Lagos.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
