We are facing a pressing challenge that threatens the health and well-being of our people—non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, are now the leading cause of death in the country. Their steady rise is a concern that cannot be ignored, as they not only drain our healthcare resources but also hinder the nation’s developmental goals.
To address this growing epidemic, Bhutan’s health sector has taken a commendable step forward with the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence for Nutrition by the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and UNICEF.
This new facility, located within the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, is a significant advancement in our healthcare landscape. It is a proof of the growing recognition that nutrition plays a critical role in both preventing and managing NCDs.
Evidence-based nutrition practices can transform health outcomes, and this centre is set to become the hub where groundbreaking research, public health initiatives, and expert collaboration intersect to tackle our NCD crisis.
Poor nutrition is one of the leading contributors to the rise of NCDs. Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats have infiltrated Bhutan’s dietary habits, particularly in urban areas. At the same time, there is a gap in knowledge regarding balanced diets and healthy eating practices in rural communities. The lack of access to nutrition education and affordable, nutritious food options compounds the problem, placing both rural and urban populations at risk.
The centre will not only serve as a research facility but will also act as a bridge between scientific findings and community health practices. Here, experts will delve into understanding Bhutan-specific dietary challenges and devise solutions suited to the unique cultural and geographical context of the nation.
The facility’s location within an academic institution also offers a rare advantage—Bhutanese students and healthcare professionals will now have access to cutting-edge training and resources, equipping them to become champions of nutritional health within their own communities.
However, building a centre is not enough. For it to truly make an impact, the research and recommendations that emerge from the facility must translate into tangible, grassroots action. Community leaders, healthcare professionals, and policymakers must work hand in hand to ensure that the knowledge generated reaches every Bhutanese household.
Nutrition education must be integrated into school curriculum, which can lay a foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits among the youth. Healthcare providers should be equipped to offer nutritional guidance as part of regular health services, shifting the focus from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.
Further to that, community awareness programmes on nutrition, supported by local leaders and health officials, can play a critical role in changing perceptions about healthy eating. Emphasis should be on showing the population how simple dietary changes—such as incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—can have a profound impact on their health.
The centre embodies our aspiration to protect our people and nurture a healthier future. But our success hinges on our commitment to integrate nutrition into all aspects of health policy and community life.
In our battle against silent killers, knowledge is our most potent weapon. Ultimately, we are what we eat.