The Nigerian government has launched six policy documents focusing on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The publications focus on monitoring the prevalence of some life-threatening diseases in the country, such as cancer, respiratory diseases, diabetes and mental health disorders.
Launching the publications in Abuja on Thursday, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare Muhammed Pate said these conditions account for 27 per cent of all annual deaths in the country, equivalent to approximately 447,800 lives lost each year.
“Many of these deaths are premature and occur between the ages of 30 and 70, which highlights the urgency of our intervention,” he said.
He said the challenges are compounded by demographic and epidemiological transitions.
They are also aggravated by the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles among people, such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diets and physical inactivity.
Mr Pate said national authorities decided to develop the new set of documents with these existing public health concerns in mind.
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He said the publications will serve as a guide for health policies and practices to ensure the prevention of these conditions in the coming years.
The six policy documents include the National Policy for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, the National Task Sharing and Delegation Policy on NCDs (NTSTS), the National Guideline for the Prevention and Management of Hypertension, and the National Strategic Action Plan for Tobacco Control (2024 to 2028).
The rest are the Bulletin for People Living with NCDs (PLWNCDs) and the Federal Republic of Nigeria Gazette: Fats, Oils and Foods Containing Fats and Oils Regulations 2022.
The minister described the document as crucial to ensuring the country achieves its goal of securing a healthy future for its citizens.
“These publications are aligned with our broader goals under NHSRII and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“By providing clear, evidence-based guidelines and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence, we are empowering our healthcare providers to deliver better care and our communities to take proactive steps toward healthier lifestyles,” she said.
Expanding infrastructure for the treatment of cancer and NCDs
Mr Pate also said there are plans to expand cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities at six teaching hospitals across the country.
“This is intended to further strengthen our capacity to combat NCDs,” he said.
Authorities have also begun training 120,000 frontline health workers on new skills and knowledge needed to meet changing health care needs.
“The federal government remains committed to expanding access to quality NCD services, improving health insurance coverage, and supporting local manufacturing of essential medicines.
“We will continue to prioritise the effective implementation of these policies, ensuring that our efforts translate into tangible improvements in the health and well-being of all Nigerians,” he said.
Mr Pate noted that countries that have implemented comprehensive NCD strategies have seen notable improvements in public health outcomes.
“For example, Finland’s successful ‘North Karelia Project’ in the 1970s, which focused on reducing cardiovascular disease through community-based interventions, led to a 70 percent reduction in coronary heart disease mortality within 25 years.
“Closer to home, South Africa’s national salt reduction programme has significantly reduced the population’s salt intake, contributing to a reduction in the prevalence of hypertension,” he added.