Health experts in Nigeria have suggested practical ways to reduce the number of deaths caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). They called for urgent action involving all sectors and changes in government policies.
They said preventing these diseases, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and improving access to basic healthcare are key to fighting illnesses like high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
These points were made during a one-day training workshop for journalists, organised by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria. The event was themed “Rethinking the NCDs Crisis: A Holistic Approach in Nigeria.”
Experts expressed concern about the growing threat of NCDs in the country, warning that more people could die if action isn’t taken quickly.
They explained that diseases like stroke, cancer, diabetes, and breathing problems are killing more Nigerians because of unhealthy habits and other related factors.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ajibola Arewa, a public health expert, said that without strong policies and actions based on facts, Nigeria could face a serious health crisis in the future.
He shared data from the World Health Organisation showing that deaths from NCDs in Nigeria rose from 24% in 2011 to 29% in 2021—a jump of more than 21% in just nine years.
Dr. Arewa warned that this rise will continue unless key issues are fixed. He said many things cause NCDs, including poor diet, lack of exercise, a polluted environment, and a weak healthcare system with too few doctors.
He urged the government to create better policies. He added that taxing sugary drinks alone won’t solve the problem, especially if other harmful products are not included.
He explained that NCDs are not only caused by sugar. They’re also linked to how we live, what we eat, how active we are, and even genetics. Focusing only on sugary drinks ignores the bigger picture.
Arewa said that the solution is not just taxes. He recommended proper food labeling, public awareness campaigns, and offering healthier food options to the public.
He stressed the need for strong government policies that are fully enforced and expanded to include all risk factors contributing to NCDs.
He said these policies must be integrated into primary healthcare services across Nigeria to make treatment easier and cheaper for everyone.
Arewa also called for more public education, health services in communities, and stronger health insurance coverage to reduce the money people pay from their own pockets.
He warned that if these changes are not made, hospitals will be overwhelmed, and poor people will struggle to get care. Implementing policies properly would help build health infrastructure, increase the number of doctors, and improve care.
Supporting Arewa’s views, public health consultant Dr. Yvonne Olaloku said that policies need to be based on good research to work well and fairly.
She explained that without accurate data, health policies may miss the real problems or ignore certain groups. She called for better cooperation between researchers, policymakers, healthcare workers, and civil society.
Retired medical officer Dr. Godswill Iboma listed smoking, lack of exercise, alcohol, too much salt, and dirty air as major causes of NCDs.
He said lifestyle and environment play the biggest roles in NCDs. While we can’t change our genes or everything in our surroundings, we *can* change how we eat, move, and live.
Finally, BJAN President Mr. Daniel Obi, in his welcome speech, said journalists play an important role in reporting health issues.
He encouraged organisations to invest in media training so that journalists can report on health matters in a way that is accurate, sensitive, and impactful.
