SYLVESTER ENOGHASE
The Federal Government has made progress over the past decade to reduce non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, cancer and diabetes, including investments to improve care, reduce the public consumption of carbonated drinks by sensitising the public about the impact of Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB)s on Nigerians.
However, the pace of the progress of raising awareness about the dangers of consuming SSBs and advocating for a sustainable SSB tax regime in Nigeria is slow, and further efforts are needed to ensure that public health care remains a top priority in Nigeria.
The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), while considering the importance attached to raising awareness about the dangers of consuming SSBs at the weekend, organised a two day capacity building to empower media practitioners with the requisite information on sugar-sweeteened beverages tax and industry monitoring and to expose anti-public health tactics by the SSB industry.
The capacity building programmed was aimed at equipping Journalists with the necessary information to create awareness and drive the campaign against excessive consumption of SSBs, and advocated for a sustainable SSB tax regime in Nigeria.
It was also to provide a comprehensive overview of SSB consumption patterns, their profound health implications, fiscal considerations and policy recommendations to address the growing health and economic challenges stemming from SSB consumption in the country.
Akinbode Matthew Oluwafemi, Executive Director, the Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), at the commencement of the event, delivered a welcome address in which he emphasised the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of consuming SSBs and advocating for a sustainable SSB tax regime in Nigeria.
He encouraged journalists to support the advocacy efforts to reduce the public consumption of carbonated drinks by using their social platforms to sensitize the public about the impact of SSBs.
He acknowledged the Nigerian government’s implementation of a N10 per litre tax on carbonated drinks in the country as a necessary step to safeguard citizens from the health risks and consequences that come with consuming sugary drinks.
Oluwafemi, lamented that over 11.2 million people are living with diabetes.
He expressed worry that sugar-sweetened beverages have gained prominence in Nigeria, stressing that it has become a significant public health concern in the country.
He also added that Nigeria is the fourth-largest soft drink consumer in the world.
The CAPPA boss, said that N10 tax per litre introduced by the Federal Government in the Finance Act of 2021 was not enough to discourage too much of consumption of sugary drinks by Nigerians.
He called on journalists to join in the campaign for an increase in the SSB tax.
“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 said
Olufemi specifically said: “This is less than the worldwide suggested 20% rise in SSB tax. 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 emphasises negative health effects is crucial for public health advocacy”.
Akin Jimoh, the Programme Director of Development Communications Network and Chief Editor of Nature Africa, in his keynote speech, emphasised the role of journalists in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions.
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He stated the importance of media practitioners developing unique reporting techniques that pique the interest of the readers and provide readers with both easy-to-assimilate information and practical facts that influence positive health values.
He also emphasised the need for thorough research and verification of sources to ensure the accuracy of reporting.
Jimoh, encouraged journalists to develop a comprehensive understanding of the health impacts of SSBs and the rationale behind SSB taxation in order to avail members of the public with accurate information on policy issues and influence a reduction in the consumption of SSBs.
He said that SSBs have been found to have caused non-communicable diseases, which are responsible for 74% of global deaths.
He also highlighted the proliferation of sugary drinks in schools and emphasised the importance of advocating for schools to limit the availability of sugary drinks within learning environments.
He said: “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 recent publication, 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 that public awareness of the danger that the consumption of SSBs poses to health remains low in Nigeria”.
Other speakers at the programme harped on the fact that sugary foods and drinks contribute in a great way to non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, cancer and diabetes.
They therefore, called on the Federal Government to increase the excise tax on SSBs which they hoped would cause increases in their retail prices and consequently discourage consumption by Nigerians.
Dr. Francis Fagbule a public health expert, emphasised the crucial role journalists have in shaping public agenda and advised them to always acquire a deep understanding of the subject matter, including industry trends and diverse stakeholder perspectives. To create engaging stories, he encouraged media practitioners to source for intriguing facts, explore unique story angles, humanize content, avoid or simplify technical jargon, write authoritatively, and use infographics for effective communication.
Ms Joke Kujenya the Executive-in-Charge, Media Mentors Journalism Centre, emphasised the importance of reporting timely and relevant subject matters to captivate and inform readers.
Journalists were encouraged to stay updated on current affairs and emerging trends in their fields.
They were encouraged to go beyond superficial aspects of a story to uncover underlying issues that impact the audience, along with prioritising the human element to understand real-life implications and share affected individuals’ experiences.
She urged journalists to create insightful and enlightening content that engages readers and clarifies complex issues.
Other speakers at the two day event, included Mr. Fidelix Obaniyi, an economist and they all harped on the need to highlight the risks of SSB consumption.
