FG unfolds blueprint to tackle non-communicable diseases

The Federal Government has launched strategic policy documents to tackle the spread of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country. The documents, known as ‘Revitalising NCDs Prevention and Control in Nigeria-Strengthening Multi-Sectoral Collaboration’. It includes the National Policy for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, National NCDs Task-Shifting and Task-Sharing (NTSTS) Policy, and The National Guideline for the Prevention and Management of Hypertension.

Others are National Tobacco Control Strategic Plan of Action (2024 – 2028), Newsletter for People Living with NCDs (PLWNCDs), The Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette – Fats, Oils, & Food Containing Fats & Oils Regulations 2022.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Mohammed Ali Pate, who unveiled the documents, observed that NCDs account for 27 per cent of all yearly deaths in the country, and equating to approximately 447,800 lives. He lamented that many of these deaths are premature, occurring between the ages of 30 and 70, as well as highlighted the urgency of the intervention.

Pate, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, noted that NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, sickle cell disease, and mental health disorders pose a public health threat in the country.

He observed the situation is worsened by demographic and epidemiological shifts, as well as the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diets, and physical inactivity.

The minister stated that most NCDs’ risk factors are preventable and stressed that the launch of the documents marked a vital step towards a healthier future for the country.

“These documents are not just guidelines; they are instruments of change that will shape our healthcare practices and policies for years to come. We will continue to prioritize the effective implementation of these policies, ensuring that our efforts translate into tangible improvements in the health and well-being of all Nigerians,” he added.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality NCD services, enhancing health insurance coverage, and supporting local manufacturing of essential medicine.

Speaking at the event, World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Walter Mulombo, said that about 17 million people die from NCDs every year before the age of 70, with an estimated 86 per cent of premature deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries.

He said: “These NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and mental health, share common risk factors, with tobacco use being the most significant. NCDs have become the world’s leading causes of death, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) suffering the most. NCDs are responsible for 29 per cent of all deaths in Nigeria, with cardiovascular diseases accounting for the highest mortality rate.”

Mulombo said WHO in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), would conduct the second round of the global adult tobacco survey, adding that the documents will contribute to efforts to prevent and control NCDs in Nigeria.

On her part, the Executive Director of Resolve to Save Lives, Nanlop Ogbureke, said that NCDs can lead to decreased quality of life, poverty, high mortality, low productivity and impact on healthcare costs.

She advocated increased funding for NCDs and stressed that poor funding remains a major impediment. “We are committed to shifting from policy to action. We hope that this partnership and collaboration will help us implement high-impact NCD interventions, and form a formidable coalition to make a difference,” she said.