On Thursday, 27th July, 2023, ASATTAHIR International Foundation (AIF), represented by its Founder and Chairman Board of Trustees Aliyu Sidi Attahiru, participated in a One-Day regional stakeholders forum on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) organized by the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) which was held at Kuciano Hotels, Kaduna state.
The activity was opened with a welcome address by the Executive Director Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, while the activity was moderated by the Programme Manager, Mr Abayomi Sarumi.
The stakeholders cut across representatives of Civil Society Organizations, public health experts, members of the Press and representatives from the state ministries of Health from the Northwest region of Nigeria.
Dr. Francis Fagbule, a public health consultant, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan facilitated a session on ‘the burden of SSBs consumption on public health’. During his presentation, participants inquired about issues surrounding Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) which includes the burden of SSB consumption on public health and the economic and public health impacts of SSB tax. In his response, the presenter gave an in-depth analysis of the difference between SSBs and other natural sources of sugar, the percentage of the affected population based on their economic and social status as well as the rationale behind the incessant consumption of carbonated drinks using empirical evidence.
The consultation built on the national discourse looking at ‘tax’ as a solution to non-communicable diseases and the many deaths caused by the consumption of Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) in Nigeria. In view of this, Mr Adeolu Adebiyi, a Senior Regional Advisor Africa Global Advocacy Incubator, engaged the stakeholders on the benefits of having a Policy direction and Legislative agenda towards achieving a successful and effective SSB tax regime in Nigeria as obtainable in various countries of the world. This in turn results in better health outcomes to the general population.
Commenting on effective strategies and way forward, the Founder/Chairman Board of Trustees of ASATTAHIR International Foundation, Aliyu Sidi Attahiru called on the stakeholders and the hosts to intensify effort in raising awareness on the overall health impacts of consuming carbonated drinks. This would be achieved by leveraging on the publicity and advocacy strengths of existing local CSOs, mass media who have presence in various states as well as to call on the food industries to be accountable by providing accurate composition and nutritional values of their products to the end consumers.
Other sessions during the activity include group photograph by the participants and plenary discussions on vital issues regarding SSBs. In the same vein, the participants expressed willingness to step down the information in their respective states.
