标签： Suriname

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are increasingly recognized as a significant threat to public health, prompting calls for urgent intervention from international experts. A comprehensive review of scientific studies highlights a dramatic shift in global dietary patterns, with fresh, unprocessed foods being replaced by cheap, heavily processed alternatives. This trend is linked to a heightened risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and even depression. The review, conducted by 43 experts based on 104 long-term studies, identifies associations between UPFs and at least 12 health issues, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and increased mortality. Examples of UPFs include sausages, chips, cookies, sodas, instant soups, ice cream, and many types of supermarket bread. The global consumption of these industrially manufactured products is rising rapidly, leading to poorer overall dietary quality due to excessive sugar, unhealthy fats, and insufficient fiber and protein. Professor Carlos Monteiro of the University of São Paulo, creator of the Nova classification system, emphasizes that UPFs are displacing fresh and minimally processed foods worldwide. Large international food corporations play a pivotal role in this shift, prioritizing profit, aggressive marketing, and political lobbying to avoid stricter health regulations. However, critics of the Nova classification argue that the degree of processing does not solely determine a product’s healthiness. Items like whole-grain bread, breakfast cereals, low-fat yogurt, fish sticks, and baby formula, classified as UPFs, still contain nutrients beneficial to a healthy diet. Statistician Kevin McConway cautions that the observed correlations do not establish causation, and further clinical studies are needed to identify specific components of UPFs contributing to disease. Researchers like Professor Jules Griffin also highlight the benefits of food processing and advocate for more research into its health impacts. Co-author Dr. Phillip Baker of the University of Sydney argues that despite gaps in evidence, immediate action is necessary, akin to global efforts against the tobacco industry. The food industry, meanwhile, maintains that UPFs can be part of a balanced diet, with the Food and Drink Federation noting improvements in recent years, including reduced sugar and salt content. The UK’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition has described the links between UPFs and adverse health effects as “concerning” but acknowledges uncertainty over whether processing or the unhealthy composition of these products is the primary cause. Current dietary advice remains unchanged: increase consumption of vegetables, fruits, and fiber while limiting sugar, salt, and saturated fats.

The Bureau of Public Health (BOG) in Suriname marked its 98th anniversary on November 18, coinciding with the soft opening of its new headquarters. The event, attended by Health Minister André Misiekaba, highlighted the organization’s pivotal role in the nation’s preventive healthcare system. Minister Misiekaba emphasized that the new building symbolizes BOG’s readiness to confidently embrace the future. ‘This is tangible proof that BOG not only honors its past but is also stepping into the future with conviction,’ he stated. The minister underscored BOG’s foundational role in Suriname’s public health, particularly its Central Laboratory, which played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic as the first in the Caribbean to initiate COVID-19 diagnostic capabilities. ‘This achievement was no coincidence but the result of years of dedication,’ Misiekaba added. The new facility, coupled with internal relocations, lays a solid foundation for the decades ahead. The minister also announced an ambitious shift in BOG’s mission, aiming to transform it into Suriname’s leading National Knowledge and Research Institute for Public Health. ‘We are entering a new phase where we will no longer settle for merely recording diseases. BOG must become the intellectual engine behind public health,’ he declared. Acting Director Radjesh Ori reflected on BOG’s evolution over the years, noting its indispensable role in society. ’98 years is a respectable age. BOG has become a household name and is irreplaceable,’ Ori remarked. Minister Misiekaba concluded by emphasizing that true change lies not in infrastructure but in the dedication and expertise of BOG’s staff. Despite ongoing public health challenges, he expressed confidence in the team’s ability to drive scientific transformation. ‘If we embrace this scientific shift, the results—a healthier and more productive Suriname—will be well worth it,’ he said, calling for collective ambition and collaboration to make BOG a proud cornerstone of Surinamese science and public health.

Suriname has taken a significant leap forward in animal disease monitoring and control with the development of a state-of-the-art Information System on Animal Health. This initiative, supported by Chilean expert José Ignacio Gomez, a specialist in surveillance systems, aims to significantly enhance the nation’s ability to track and manage animal diseases. A dedicated team from the Directorate of Livestock has recently completed training in data analysis, epidemiological assessment, and disease management, equipping them with the necessary expertise to operate the new system effectively. Dr. Gomez highlighted the team’s transformation from novices to experts, stating, ‘The surveillance team had no prior experience but is now fully proficient.’

A robust surveillance program is critical for any country, not only facilitating cross-border trade in animal products but also safeguarding the economy. The outbreak of animal diseases can lead to skyrocketing food prices and substantial economic losses, making early detection and expert intervention essential. The urgency to remain vigilant has grown as exotic animal diseases edge closer to Suriname. Three severe diseases—Avian Influenza in poultry, African Swine Fever in pigs, and Foot and Mouth Disease in cattle—are already present in various Caribbean, South, and Central American countries. In response, Dr. Gomez and the surveillance team have developed a national emergency plan to address potential outbreaks swiftly.

Additionally, the team has crafted a comprehensive preparedness plan for critical animal diseases. The implementation of the new animal health and disease surveillance information system marks a significant milestone, with Dr. Gomez noting that only a few well-developed countries possess similar systems. ‘The system is implemented, operational, and user-friendly,’ he emphasized. The platform can be updated anytime, from any location, and is accessible exclusively to authorized users.

With these advancements, Suriname is leading the Caribbean region in modern animal disease surveillance, bolstering its readiness to combat potential outbreaks effectively.