The call to ban sugary drinks in all schools is now being widened to include communities and homes.
Minister of Youth and Community Empowerment Adrian Forde has urged young people to be more active and involved in sports as an effort to combat the serious and increasing problem of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Noting that one in every three people are obese or suffer from an NCD related illness, such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, Forde suggested that these sweet carbonated drinks be substituted with more natural juices.
“We have five finger, golden apples as well as cherries. There are natural alternatives we can use and as it relates to healthy foods. We are encouraging canteens and persons who feed our young children to be mindful of the products they use daily. This problem, if it’s not a holistic effort, will continue to increase the numbers which will be dreadful to any country because there is a cost involved to Government’s medical expense,” Forde said.
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