Need to regulate influx of western foods

Health regulatory agencies have been tasked to control the influx and the consumption of some western foods, which contribute to the rise of cardiovascular diseases in the country.

The control of high cholesterol level and high blood pressure, and the eating of healthy foods have been recommended for the fight against cardiovascular diseases.

Professor Sam Dagogo-Jack, a renowned Endocrinologist at the University of Tennessee Health Centre, USA, gave the advice during a summit on cardiovascular diseases, in Accra on Wednesday, which was attended by national and international health professionals, to deliberate on the disease

He said: “The aim of this summit is to improve awareness and management of common cardiovascular risk factors, such as raised blood pressure, raised cholesterol levels, obesity and the need for healthy lifestyles by stimulating debates, discussions and public education”.

Prof Dagogo-Jack cited cardiovascular diseases such as cancer, chronic lung disease, acute lung disease and injuries as top killers in the world.

He advised the public against the use of too much salt and sugar, adding that medically humans are entitled to only one tea spoon of salt a day.

Dr Kojo Soroh, Medical Director in charge of Nigeria, Ghana and the East Africa Region of Pfizer Incorporated, a global pharmaceutical company, said the summit formed part of Pfizer’s contribution to the advancement of medical knowledge and patient care in Ghana and Africa as a whole.

“This further exemplifies the commitment of Pfizer to world class medical education, capacity building and excellence in service to the Ghanaian health sector,” he said.

Dr Soroh said the summit was also to provide an opportunity for healthcare practitioners to engage in discussions on the latest trends in cardiovascular disease and its management.

He said it also encouraged the use of general treatment guidelines and recommendations for the management of patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Dr Soroh pledged Pfizer’s commitment to setting standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals.

“Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best-known consumer products,” he said.

Dr Soroh pledged Pfizer’s readiness to collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world.

He said that for more than 150 years, Pfizer had been working to make a difference for all who relied on it products.