Government Strengthens Control Of Consumption Of Salt And Trans Fat To Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases

Head of the Health Development Policy Agency of the Ministry of Health, Asnawi Abdullah (DOK Rizky AP/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) stated the importance of controlling salt consumption and trans fat in an effort to reduce the number of cardiovascular diseases in Indonesia. In addition, it also reduces the burden of national health financing.

"We see that several countries that already have regulations on limiting salt levels and elimination of trans fats can significantly reduce the death rate due to cardiovascular disease and have a positive impact on reducing the burden of national health financing," said Head of the Health Development Policy Agency of the Ministry of Health, Asnawi Abdullah at a discussion on healthy food policies in Jakarta, Wednesday, February 19.

One example of controlling salt consumption and trans fat is the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program. The program can create a culture of consuming healthy foods.

"So the MBG program also actually encourages, supports, so that our nation's children start consuming food since childhood are healthy foods, and foods that have the potential such as transfat have a long-term impact on disease factors, from an early age we should control it," he said.

In addition, the Deputy for Coordination for Health Quality Improvement at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Sukadiono said that controlling salt consumption and trans-sectoral fat must be carried out. So, the community can be well educated regarding eating healthy foods

"The government is committed to encouraging policies that support the availability of healthier food choices and increasing education so that people are wiser in choosing food that is good for their health," he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Health Offices (ADINKES), Mohammad Subuh, assessed that local governments also have a very crucial role in supporting this policy. This is because socialization to people in various regions must be carried out so that the control of salt consumption and trans fat can run.

"The Health Office at the provincial and district/city levels must play an active role in the socialization and implementation of this policy. With strong support from various sectors, we can accelerate the achievement of better national health targets," said Subuh.

Meanwhile, data from the Ministry of Health shows that nearly 75 percent of deaths in Indonesia are caused by non-communicable diseases, most of which can be prevented through a healthy diet. Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, are the main causes of death in Indonesia with the death rate reaching nearly 800,000 people every year.

Research results from Johns Hopkins University and The George Institute backed by Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) reveal that the removal of trans fat can save up to $213 million in health costs in the first 10 years and save more than 115,000 lives if implemented starting this year.

The policy of removing trans fat and reducing salt consumption has proven effective in various countries. With strong cross-sectoral cooperation, the government hopes that this policy can be implemented in Indonesia soon to create a healthier environment for the community.