Mauritius launches 2022 National Nutrition Survey
Port-Louis, Mauritius (PANA) – The Mauritian Ministry of Health and Wellness on Thursday launched the 2022 National Nutrition Survey with the objective to study food consumption patterns and assess the nutritional status of the population with a view to address diet and nutrition related health problems and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
According to the Minister of Health and Wellness, Kailesh Jagutpal, the survey, which will run from 23 July to 10 August, will also help evaluate the incidence of malnutrition and its related factors among the population especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Jagutpal underlined that the findings of the National Survey will not only serve the purpose of monitoring and evaluating progress made by comparing data with the previous nutrition surveys but will also help the Ministry to address the shortcomings which will be identified.
He recalled that the last National Nutrition Survey carried out in 2012 provided valuable information that formed the basis for policy planning and implementation of nutrition programmes during the last decade.
Since then, he underlined, food availability and consumption patterns have changed, adding that populations around the world are increasingly exposed to food that influence the risk of developing NCDs. “This is mainly due to economic and income growth, urbanisation and globalization,” he said.
Speaking about the new Food Bill 2022, the Minister said that it was enacted on 5 July 2022 in a bid to revamp the previous Food Act.
Its main objectives are to promote healthier eating habits, and set new standards for the control of trans-fatty acids, saturated fats and salt in specific foods, which are linked to the increased risk of several NCDs, in particular, cardiovascular diseases.
-0- PANA NA/MA 21July2022
