The Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF) on Monday said there is a spike in cases of travellers slumping at airports and dying, which could be attributed to various preventable cardiovascular conditions.
In response to this report, the NHF revealed they plan to train the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) staff in Lagos on Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) to easily stimulate the heart in emergency situations.
To commemorate World Heart Day, which is celebrated every September 29th, the association held a press conference where they called on the government to implement robust public health policies that encourage heart-healthy environments, reduce health inequities, and provide access to essential healthcare services.
Programmes Director, NHF, Dr. Enitan Ademuson, in her address, emphasised the importance of this year’s theme, ‘Use Heart for Action,’ and urged everyone, including individuals, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and organisations, to act in ways that protect their hearts and the hearts of those around them.
Ademuson explained that the organisation, in collaboration with partners, donated the AED to FAAN in 2023 and has decided to train their staff on how to use the machine to save lives.
“There are too many reports about travellers slumping at airports and dying, when we know that in other countries, they probably wouldn’t die,” she said.
She pointed out that Lagos is their starting point because it is the most used airport in the country, with high traffic movement in and out of the country, including both national and foreign passengers.
She encouraged communities across Nigeria to take part in the movement by sharing heart health information, participating in heart-healthy events, and supporting those at risk of heart disease.
A senior brand manager at Three Crowns Milk, Adesanjo Oyejide, at the event, noted that their brand saw the need to partner with everyone at the forefront of health campaigns and advocacy, as well as nutrition.
Adesanjo explained the importance of healthy nutrition and encouraged the consumption of vegetable fats, which he said are healthier than animal fats, with a better fat profile.
“Vegetable fat is a much healthier choice than all those other options, and that is what Three Crowns has done—putting the health of the consumers over and above every other consideration,” he added.
