A report, the first of its kind by the World Health Organization, confirmed that the world is not moving rapidly to achieve the goal of reducing salt intake by 30% by 2025.

Noted that although all 194 OIC member states adhered to the target set in 2013, only 5% had implemented comprehensive policies to reduce sodium intake.

The report, which was published on Thursday, revealed that “the average global salt intake is currently estimated at 10.8 grams per day, which is more than double the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 5 grams per day for adults.”

The report also assessed countries’ implementation of sodium reduction policies, using the “Country Sodium Score Card“, which ranges from 1 (lowest level of implementation) to 4 (highest level).

She pointed out that only 9 countries received a score of 4, which means that they have comprehensive policies to reduce sodium intake, and they are Brazil, Chile, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Uruguay.

In its report, the World Health Organization called on countries to implement sodium-related interventions, including reformulating processed foods to contain less salt, and developing policies to reduce sodium-rich foods in public institutions, including labeling on packaging that Help consumers choose products with less sodium.

Stressed that such policies could save an estimated 7 million lives globally by 2030, and reduce sodium intake by more than 20%, approaching the target set for 2025.

Sodium is an essential nutrient, but consuming it in excess increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death, which accounts for nearly two million deaths worldwide annually.