Revised Food Based Dietary Guidelines launched
- “Use more fresh fruits, less fast foods’– Health Minister
- “Turn the traditional dinner plate upside down”- Deputy CMO
DPI, GUYANA, Thursday, May 31, 2018
In an effort to promote healthy lifestyle and eating habits, the Ministry of Public Health on Thursday launched the revised Food Based Dietary Guidelines held at the Whirl Wind Village, Sophia Exhibition Centre.
Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence encouraged citizens to change their lifestyles by adding fresh fruits and locally produced food as opposed to ‘fast foods’.
“In Guyana, we are so blessed; not only do we have mangoes but we have them in variety, we have so many fruits and so many vegetables. However today, we desire that which is harvested some seven months ago and placed in a can…I think we have to go back to those days where we had to buy local,” Minister Lawrence told the gathering.
The minister noted that much effort was invested into the establishment of the newly revised guidelines, its promotion and advertisement. The Health Minister however noted that the results will be realised when persons adhere the guidelines to the initiative.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) country representative, Reuben Robertson, over 80 percent of deaths in the region are attributed to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which can be prevented through healthy eating.
Robertson said that the organisation’s priority, to achieve zero hunger and contribute to good health, has led to its decision to assist the ministry, both technically and financially to achieve such guidelines. The representative stressed the ministry’s initiative was a bold statement, which must be promoted countrywide to ensure a healthy population by 2030.
Deputy CMO, Dr. Karen Campbell said that there is a need for a special campaign to encourage persons to adapt a healthier lifestyle. She opined that while the country’s history may have played a role in citizens’ eating habits, a change must occur. Dr. Campbell said it was time to “turn the traditional dinner plate upside down and consume in moderation.”
The revised Food Based Dietary Guidelines are a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Public Health and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.
By: Neola Damon
Images: Jameel Mohamed.