Sodium reduction initiatives needed to curb hypertension, kidney disease — lawmakers and health experts
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Health experts and lawmakers in the Philippines are calling for sodium reduction initiatives to combat hypertension and kidney disease. The country has high sodium consumption, with Filipinos consuming an average of 4.29 grams daily, more than double the WHO's recommended amount.
The Philippines is facing a growing burden of hypertension, heart disease, and kidney complications due to high sodium intake. Filipinos consume an average of 4.29 grams of sodium daily, exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended 2 grams. To address this, health authorities are advocating for systemic action, including administrative measures, legislation, and industry reformulation. The Department of Health is developing a national sodium reformulation roadmap, and five Sodium Reformulation bills have been filed in Congress. Medical experts warn that one in four Filipino adults has hypertension, and chronic kidney disease prevalence is high. The economic burden is substantial, with NCDs costing the Philippines P756.5 billion in 2017. Experts agree that stronger preventive measures are needed to curb the rising costs and health impacts.
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