Evaluation
World Salt Awareness Week was a fantastic success thanks to the hard work and determination of our members.
World Action on Salt and Health held its 2nd annual World Salt Awareness Week (February 2nd - 8th 2009), focusing on Salt and Eating Out . We aimed to highlight to the catering industry, chefs and others involved, the importance of adding less salt to food and the long-term health implications of eating a high salt diet.
The Week saw participation from 28 member countries, including: Australia , Bangladesh , Botswana , Bulgaria , Canada , Caribbean, Chile , Croatia , Cuba , Dubai , Egypt , Finland , Georgia , India , Italy , Kenya , Lithuania , Malta , Netherlands , Nigeria , Pakistan , Poland , Portugal , Slovakia , Sweden , Turkey , UK and the USA .
Activities ranged from involvement from hypertension experts, representatives from the health and education ministries, consumers, the media and the food industry.
For example, Australia 's AWASH launched a full national campaign, lead by an event called ‘Salt and the City'. Bangladesh and Barbados achieved national media coverage. Bulgaria held a press conference and a series of interviews. Canada launched an advertising campaign. Cuba broadcast the message in city centres. Egypt published the event in journals. Italy issued a press release and distributed posters & leaflets.
Lithuania held a series of TV and radio interviews. Malta held a conference and radio interviews. The Netherlands published a new study on salt intake in children. Poland held a press conference. Saudi Arabia issued brochures & held an exhibition. Serbia held TV interviews and a conference for experts. Slovakia undertook a restaurant survey. South Africa and Turkey held radio and press interviews, and issued a press release. The UK held an event for the government and achieved national media coverage.