The Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF) has charged government at all levels to provide environments that are supportive of cardiovascular health, by including or mainstreaming health in all programmes.
 
During a briefing, yesterday, in commemoration of World Heart Day at the NHF office in Lagos, the foundation also tasked individuals to know their health status and take deliberate steps. The theme of this year’s WHD is ‘Don’t Miss the Beat’.
 
At the briefing, the Chairman of the World Health Day 2025 of NHF, Prof. Akin Osibogun, noted that in 1990, the prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria was below 10 per cent of the population, but it is currently between 35 and 40 per cent.
 
He told newsmen after the event that: “NHF is, today, marking the 25th anniversary of the World Heart Day (WHD), with the main objective of drawing attention to the burden of (heart) disease, and what people need to do to protect their own health.

We are saying that people need to engage in physical activity, as it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. People need to watch their salt consumption and increase their intake of vegetables, which provide the body with necessary antioxidants and nutrients.
 
“Also, people need to avoid the consumption of energy drinks that are high in caffeine, which is also very risky for the heart. They need to afford themselves adequate rest and sleep; on average, about eight hours a day should be okay. Then people need to access healthcare in a timely manner. People need to know their numbers.” On the part of the government, he made a case for amenities to help the citizens stay healthy.  
 
“Governments should provide safe walking spaces, even on roads, so that the roads, particularly within urban areas, are constructed not just for vehicles, but also where people need to walk safely and those who want to ride bicycles can cycle safely. So, these are some of the measures that need to be done, and NHF is going to partner with governments and the civil society to promote cardiovascular health,” he added.
 
Osibogun also emphasised the need for increased public awareness and education, as well as walking the talk.  On education, the Founder of the Passion for Healthy Kids (PHK) Initiative, Mrs Edirin Metseagharun, disclosed that her group was visiting schools to engage students in 15 minutes of physical activity daily for 25 days to promote heart health.
 
President/Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Advocacy for Food Safety and Nutrition Initiative (CAFSANI), Prof. Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, noted that ignorance is a significant factor hindering cardiovascular health; hence, he supports the education of the uninformed.
 
Pointing out that exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, he urged stakeholders, including the media, to educate those who have lost hope. For Dele Adetiba, health is not something the government should legislate about, since it is a voluntary matter. He urged individuals to take control of their destinies by choosing to live healthily.
 
World Health Foundation (WHF) ambassador, Dr Segun Odegbami, asserted that “it is healthier to live in rural areas,” where people walk longer distances and eat healthier foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.