MCGM, Public Health Department, jointly with Amar Gandhi Foundation started the campaign ‘EkChammachKam’ for creating awareness about non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
MCGM has invited noted actor and film director Farhan Akhtar to be the face of first-of-its-kind initiative, and he is leading the charge on this very high impact public health campaign.
MCGM will take 50+ bus-shelters, hoardings and railway station boards to promote the campaign across Mumbai city,” said Ajoy Mehta, Municipal Commissioner, MCGM. He added, ‘EkChammachKam’ campaign aims at making people aware about the grave nature of non-communicable diseases and the importance of dietary changes and exercise in one’s daily life. Additional Municipal Commissioner, I A Kundan, said “Non communicable diseases are the major killer and needs to be addressed”.
Citing the World Health Organisation’s report on NCDs, Farhan Akhtar, who is personally known to be devoted to physical fitness says,” Nearly 61 per cent of deaths in India are now attributed to non-communicable diseases. Out of these, cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension) contribute to 45 per cent, followed by chronic respiratory disease (22 per cent), cancer (12 per cent) and diabetes (3 per cent). All of these are preventable if we reduce the intake of salt, sugar and oil from our diet, and maintain an active lifestyle.”
Dr Bhupendra Gandhi of the Amar Gandhi Foundation says, “Have #EkChammachKam of salt, sugar and oil every day”, and this is simple and self-explanatory. For e.g; it is well known that too much sodium in a person’s diet can be harmful. It causes blood to hold fluid, and this in turn raises blood pressure and puts a strain on the heart as well”.