THE World Health Organization said Friday it has begun encouraging all health ministries, agencies and facilities throughout the Western Pacific Region to remove sugary drinks from their cafeterias to “walk the talk” and be role models for their governments and society.
As such, the WHO also developed healthy snack and meal guidelines for its meetings and events, removing sugary drinks and snacks and instead offering healthier options.
As a result, the organization’s regional office has more water dispensers and provides unsweetened drink options, such as fresh coconut water and brewed teas.
The switch to healthier snacks was made in the recently conducted 67th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific that was attended by health ministers and delegates from member countries.
Sodas, energy drinks, fruit juices, flavored milk and powdered and instant drink products have been taken off the shelves and were not made available to emphasize the link of the sale of sugary drinks to obesity, tooth decay and related health care costs in the region.
In addition, participants were encouraged to dance during a “mobility break” as part of promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The 67th session of the Regional Committee was declared a “healthy meeting” by the Chair, Malaysia’s health minister, Yb Datuk Seri Dr. S Subramaniam.
“I want to create an environment that makes healthier decisions easier in people’s lives, whether it is at work sites or other places in the community,” said Dr. Shin Young-soo, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Region.
The WHO guideline on sugar intake for adults and children recommends no more than six teaspoons (25 grams) of sugar per day for maximum health benefits.
A typical can of soda contains about 8.5 teaspoons of sugar, and an equivalent serving of fruit juice has about 9.5 teaspoons.