The implementation of salt reduction strategies should be sped up in Africa: a shout from Morocco

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality and a major contributor to disability globally [1]. High dietary sodium is one of the most important risk factors for CVD. It is associated with hypertension and increased risk of stroke and heart disease [2]. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, in 2019, high dietary sodium accounted for an estimated 1.7 million cardiovascular deaths worldwide, representing ~10% of the overall cardiovascular mortality [2]. In view of the huge burden of high dietary sodium, salt reduction has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one the most efficient and cost-effective measures that can improve population health outcomes [3]. The WHO recommends that adults consume less than 2 g of sodium per day which corresponds to less than 5 g (just under a teaspoon) of salt per day [3]. The Global Burden of Diseases Nutrition and Chronic Diseases Expert Group (NutriCoDE) estimated the global mean sodium intake at 3.95 g per day in 2010, almost twice the recommended maximum level of intake [4]. The WHO projected that nearly 2.5 million deaths could be prevented each year if global salt consumption were reduced to the recommended level [3].