Experts discuss strategies to combat rising non-communicable diseases

As the global prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) continues to rise, key stakeholders in Nigeria have convened to discuss essential strategies aimed at mitigating key risk factors such as poor diets, physical inactivity, and tobacco use.

This effort is seen as crucial in addressing the escalating burden of NCDs and improving public health outcomes in the country.

The discussions took place during the NCDs Policy Launch 2024 event, held on Thursday in Abuja, under the theme “Interventions Addressing NCDs Risk Factors in Nigeria.”

The event was hosted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria, and other partners, drawing attention to the growing incidence of NCDs, which have become a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality.

Dr.Malau Toma, Head of Cardiovascular Diseases & Tobacco Control, emphasized the importance of implementing substantial taxes on unhealthy foods to reduce consumption and promote healthier choices among citizens.

He underscored the federal government’s critical role in driving these initiatives.

Dr. William Maina, Senior Project Officer at WHOAFRO, highlighted that 43 out of 47 African countries, including Nigeria, have ratified the tobacco control treaty, integrating it into national law.

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 He discussed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework for tobacco control, which provides guidance and technical support for adopting global NCD prevention strategies in the region.

Prof. Akin Osibogun, Executive Director of the NCD Alliance Nigeria, identified physical inactivity as a significant contributor to NCDs and called for increased efforts to promote physical activity in workplaces and schools.

Dr. Dike Ojji, from the Cardiovascular Research Unit at the University Teaching Hospital in Gwagwalada, Abuja, expressed concern over the high sodium consumption in Nigeria.

He noted that the average daily intake of sodium is 3.5 milligrams, exceeding the WHO benchmark of 2.5 milligrams, which contributes to the rising prevalence of high blood pressure.

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Mr. Batet Musa, Nutrition Policy Advisor at Resolve To Save Lives, emphasized the reduction of salt intake as a core strategy for addressing unhealthy diets. He highlighted the importance of dietary changes in combating NCDs in Nigeria.

The event also served as a platform to unveil new policies on hypertension management, NCD prevention and control, and task-shifting, which are expected to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to effectively combat the rising tide of NCDs.