Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) and its global ally, Foodjustice, have jointly called for a collaborative intervention across ministries and agencies that are implementing policies on agriculture, health and environment to advance initiatives that would promote Planetary Health Diet (PHD) in Nigeria.
While launching an introductory training on Planetary Health Diet for officials of the federal and Lagos State governments in attendance, keynote speakers stated that the initiative will bridge nutrition gaps in the country and lead to a sustainable and healthy dietary pattern, especially as the continent battles rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to poor nutrition
Executive Director of RDI, Philip Jakpor, in his early remarks explained that Planetary Health Diet is a scientifically backed dietary pattern designed to be healthy for individuals and sustainable for the planet, “with emphasis on plant-based foods and reduction of consumption of red meat and processed foods. It reflects the intersections between what we grow, the ecosystem under which they grow and the positive outcomes when we consume them.”
Jakpor lamented that while the clamour for adoption of this dietary pattern continues to grow globally, “Africa is largely missing in the scheme of things even as the continent grapples with the devastating impacts of malnutrition and the health challenges associated with consumption of unwholesome diet. As you all may already know, Non communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant cause of deaths in Africa.
“In Nigeria NCDs account for about 30% of annual deaths and studies have shown that they are responsible for more illnesses and deaths than infectious diseases. In the year 2020, NCDs were responsible for 617,300 deaths in Nigeria, with 22% of these being premature deaths of persons between ages 30-70.” Jakpor added, as he called for the opening of pathways that would engender networking and ignite policy level intervention by the departments of government to promote planetary health diet.
Andrea Arango Angarita (Ph.D.) of the Mexican National Institute of Public Health said globally people have continued to suffer from failure by governments to implement Planetary Health Diet.
Angarita who spoke virtually, urged countries to compare notes as she highlighted measures that Nigeria can learn from the 2023 Mexican Healthy and Sustainable Dietary Guidelines (MHSDG). She noted that the document that defines dietary patterns in Mexico, was aimed at protecting population health, reducing environmental footprint and respecting Mexican food traditions.
According to her, research shows that if the Mexican population fully adopted the MHSDG, it would achieve: “31.9% fewer total deaths from chronic diseases (34.6% reducing UPF); 29.6% fewer premature deaths before age 75 (32.5% reducing UPF); Approximately 89,000 deaths prevented and 43,000 premature deaths; Adopting the guidelines could result in over 700,000 years of life saved, mainly through reducing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.”
Also, Mishel Unar Munguía, Head of the Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Nutrition, Mexico explained that unhealthy diets and malnutrition are among the top ten risk factors contributing to global disease burden.
“Given the harmful environmental impact of today’s food systems and concerns about their sustainability, there is an urgent need to promote healthy and sustainable diets.
“Healthy and sustainable diets are dietary patterns that promote all dimensions of individual health and well-being; they exert low pressure and environmental impact; and are accessible, affordable, safe, equitable, and culturally acceptable.” Munguía stated.
“Our current food systems are not only harming our health, but also pushing the planet to its environmental limits,” says Percival Agordoh of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana. He added that the concept of sustainable eating “emphasizes food choices that are healthy for individuals and beneficial for the environment, promoting both human and planetary well-being.”
According to him, Planetary Health Diet includes ‘Fruits and vegetables, Whole grains, Legumes and nuts, Animal products (meat, dairy, eggs).’
Speaking on the importance of PHD in children, Dr. Makoyawo O.O. noted that PHD supports optimal growth and development in children, builds better immunity and improves learning and cognitive ability of children.
“To achieve this goal, family-level intervention and school meal programs play a pivotal role.” Makoyawo said, adding that the effort should be supported by “educational initiatives promoting balanced meal planning, the efficient use of plant-based protein sources and strategies to introduce sustainable dietary practices early in life.”
