SHARE Bangladesh - The state of diet-related NCD policies: a policy framework content analysis

The state of diet-related NCD policies in Bangladesh: a policy framework content analysis

Sadika Akhter, Razib Mamun and Iqbal Anwar

Background

Although non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, the global policy response has been inadequate in relation to their health, economic and social burden. In this study we reviewed the technical content of sugar, salt and transfats policies in Bangladesh using the WHO ‘Best Buys’ guidelines for prevention and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs)’.

Results

Bangladesh has made high-level commitments to address NCDs, but dietary NCDs policies vary and tend to be underdeveloped in terms of targets and means for achieving them. There is a tendency to focus on interventions that encounter least resistance. For example, health promotion and awareness rising are often chosen as intervention instead of addressing food reformulation, taxation, subsidies and promotion/marketing. With some exceptions, the policies tend to ignore vulnerable groups or human rights. There is limited budget available for interventions.

Conclusions

NCDs policies in Bangladesh for salt, sugar and transfat do not match with the severity of the epidemiological burden. Government actions will focus on the most critical dietary drivers and population groups at risk. This study proposes a series of recommendations to re-orient NCDs policies so as to make them fit for purpose to ensure healthy diets for all.