As the global prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) rises, stakeholders convened to discuss essential strategies aimed at mitigating key risk factors, including poor diets, physical inactivity, and tobacco use.
This effort, they said, was crucial in addressing the escalating burden of NCDs and enhancing public health outcomes.
The discussions took place during the NCDs Policy Launch 2024 event, held on Thursday in Abuja.
The discussion took place during a panel, titled “Interventions Addressing NCDs Risk Factors in Nigeria.”
It was hosted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria and other partners.
They said that the growing incidence of NCDs in the country had emerged as a significant public health challenge, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality.
According to them, addressing this challenge and fortifying the health system to effectively prevent, manage, and control NCDs are vital for improving health outcomes and achieving sustainable development goals.
The Head of Cardiovascular Diseases & Tobacco Control, Dr Malau Toma, said that implementing substantial taxes on unhealthy food could reduce consumption.
Toma highlighted the federal government’s critical role in promoting healthier choices for citizens.
The Senior Project Officer at WHOAFRO, Dr William Maina, noted that out of 47 countries on the African continent, 43 have ratified the tobacco control treaty, with 40, including Nigeria, integrating it into national law.
Maina discussed WHO’s framework for tobacco control, stating that the Organisation provides essential guidance and technical support for adopting global NCD prevention strategies in the region.
The Executive Director of NCD Alliance Nigeria, Prof. Akin Osibogun, identified physical inactivity as a significant factor in NCDs and called for increased efforts to address it.
Osibogun noted that the NCD Alliance was actively promoting physical activity in workplaces and schools.
Dr Dike Ojji from the University Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Cardiovascular Research Unit, expressed concern over the average sodium consumption of Nigerians.
Ojji said that sodium consumption was 3.5 milligrams daily, exceeding the WHO benchmark of 2.5 milligrams daily.
He said that without reducing sodium intake, the prevalence of high blood pressure would continue to rise.
The Nutrition Policy Advisor at Resolve To Save Lives, Mr Batet Musa, highlighted the reduction of salt intake as a core strategy for addressing unhealthy diets.
Musa, also a nutritionist, stressed the importance of dietary changes in combating NCDs in Nigeria.
The event brought together key stakeholders to unveil new policies on hypertension management, NCD prevention and control, and task-shifting.
These policies are expected to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to combat NCDs effectively.
NAN
