Right to Protein launches awareness programme

Ahead of the annual Protein Day on February 27, “Right To Protein” – a dedicated awareness initiative – has announced “Easy Access to Protein for All” as the theme for 2023.

In its fourth year, the annual Protein Day’s theme aims to draw much-needed attention to the accessibility of protein-rich foods, encouraging citizens at large to learn more about protein and its importance in better nutrition and health, read a press release issued Saturday.

As the protein awareness initiative makes a wake-up call, recognising the impact of an individual’s economic status on protein consumption, the poultry association of Bangladesh has stated the pressing need to raise awareness about the benefits and availability of protein.

University of Dhaka Institute of Nutrition and Food Science Director Professor Khaleda Islam said, “At a time when the country is aspiring to become an upper-middle-income country by 2031 and dreams of becoming a developed nation by 2041, sufficient intake of protein is not getting proper attention.

“But to achieve these goals, it is crucial to improve nutrition security and increase protein consumption. Despite having success in reducing malnutrition, particularly in the under-five age group, there is still much work to be done in addressing maternal mortality and malnutrition among adolescent boys and girls.”

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s food balance sheet, the total protein intake should be 60g per day per person, of which only 12g per day per person generally comes from animal sources, and 48g per day per person from plant sources.

Protein is a macronutrient like a carbohydrate and fat, providing a source of energy.

Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC) President Moshiur Rahman said, “In developing countries like Bangladesh, an individual’s economic status has a significant impact on their nutritional status, making it essential to promote easy access to protein-rich foods.”

Moshiur, also a supporter of the Right to Protein initiative, continued, “There is a pressing need to raise awareness about the benefits and availability of these foods. We encourage stakeholders within the industry to take immediate action.”

Another supporter of the Right to Protein initiative, Deeba Giannoulis, Head of Marketing US Soy Marketing South Asia and SubSaharan Africa (SASSA), US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), wished to stimulate conversations around adding sustainable protein options to our diets, to collectively work towards the goal of nutrition security for all.