Experts and some patient support organizations have called for increased funding for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), warning that the growing burden of chronic illnesses is placing severe financial strain on Nigerians.
They made the call at the National Hypertension/NCDs media and patients advocacy orientation organized by the National NCD Patients Advocacy Group, supported by the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL), on Friday in Abuja.
A hematologist, Dr Chi-Kadibia Ukoma—Founder of Leukemia Care Plus Initiative and Vice President of the Nigerian Cancer Society—said NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and sickle cell disease are rapidly overtaking infectious diseases and affecting nearly every household.
“The burden is enormous. Almost all of us are affected in one way or another. If you do not have hypertension, you might have diabetes, cancer, or another chronic disease, and the cost of managing these conditions is extremely high,” he said.
He noted that treatment expenses often result in catastrophic health spending, adding that many patients struggle to sustain long-term care regardless of income level.
The hematologist also described the patient voice in NCD advocacy as inadequate, stressing that funding available for prevention and treatment remains only a fraction of what is required.
“Government needs to put more effort and funding to cater for this because it affects the entirety of Nigeria. Almost all of us are affected in one way or another,” he said.
Ukoma urged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles—including balanced diets, reduced consumption of highly processed foods, and regular physical exercise—noting that sedentary living is contributing to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases.
He also encouraged regular medical screening and early treatment, emphasizing that cancer is not a death sentence when detected early and properly managed.
Mr Tulari Tine, representing the Hypertension Society of Nigeria, said increased funding for NCDs would improve access to healthcare and medication, awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians about risks and management.
Tine added that these measures would help reduce the burden of hypertension and other NCDs and improve health outcomes.
Mrs Akomah-Charles Ugonna, Executive Director of Benedicx Better Life Initiative—an NGO supporting vulnerable women, girls, and youths—highlighted the increasing number of persons with NCDs, especially the aged.
Ugonna, a registered nurse at a Primary Health Care (PHC) centre, noted the lack of NCD data, which she said has affected government and other stakeholders in making informed decisions to address the diseases.
“While significant interventions and support have been provided for HIV, NCDs must also be given equal priority.
“Government should strengthen support for PHCs. Although we currently conduct free blood pressure checks, screening for blood sugar, diabetes, and cancer is often not available because essential materials, such as testing strips, are lacking.
“The basic services required to properly assess patients before referring them to secondary or tertiary healthcare facilities are not adequately provided.
“We therefore call on government at all levels to collaborate with civil society organizations to reduce the growing burden of non-communicable diseases,” she said.
Other activities included technical sessions on “Who and What About: NCD Policy and Stakeholder Landscape in Nigeria” by Dr Alayo Sopekan, Director of NCDs at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Mr Marcel Sati, representing the Budget Office of the Federation, also made a presentation on Public Financial Management: Budget Cycle, Advocacy and Tracking Techniques.
