Amid the fight against COVID-19, Non-communicable Diseases (NCDS) have not been forgotten; particularly, hypertension. The Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Caribbean Institute for health research on Tuesday launched a knowledge, attitude, and practice study around salt consumption in Jamaica, funded by the National Health Fund (NHF).
The study will help to strengthen the implementation of strategies to reduce sodium intake. Hypertension or high blood pressure is a major problem in Jamaica, with one in three persons suffering from the condition.
In addition to hypertension, overconsumption of sodium can also contribute to the development of stroke, heart and kidney disease.
Jamaica’s Salt Consumption, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice (Salt-Kap) Study launched on Tuesday, is geared towards reducing the population’s sodium intake to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of fewer than 5 grams of salt per day for adults.
Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says covid-19 has demonstrated more than ever the importance of tackling Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDS).
