By Comfort Olayinka
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving health outcomes for Nigerians, with a focus on combating Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, made this assurance at the launch of a series of pivotal national policy documents in Abuja.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom S. mni, stated that the event, titled “Revitalizing NCDs Prevention and Control in Nigeria – Strengthening Multisectoral Collaboration,” marked a significant step towards addressing the growing threat of NCDs in the country.
According to Professor Pate, NCDs account for 27% of all annual deaths in Nigeria, resulting in approximately 447,800 lives lost each year,emphasized that the majority of NCDs risk factors are preventable and can be addressed through a comprehensive response.
“These conditions account for 27% of all annual deaths in our country, equating to approximately 447,800 lives lost each year. Many of these deaths are premature, occurring between the ages of 30 and 70, highlighting the urgency of our intervention.”
He highlighted the importance of demographic and epidemiological transition and the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles, such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diets, and physical inactivity.
He expressed efforts made by the ministry to develop several key policy documents,to tackle the menace which includes the National Policy for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, National NCD Task-shifting and Task-sharing Policy, and National Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Hypertension in Nigeria.
Professor Pate cited the successes of Finland and South Africa in implementing comprehensive NCDs strategies, expressing hope that Nigeria can achieve similar results.
He emphasized that the launched documents are not just guidelines but instruments of change that will shape healthcare practices and policies for years to come.
Professor Pate highlighted several achievements recorded in combating NCDs, amongst which are expanding cancer diagnosis and treatment infrastructure, training frontline health workers, enhancing health insurance coverage, and supporting local manufacturers of essential medicines.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom S.mni, represented by the Director, Public Health, Dr Chukwuma Anyaike in her welcome address urged for a collaborative effort and engagement of community actors in the fight against Non-communicable Diseases, lamenting that currently they are trying to overtake the communicable diseases.
Key partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), National Primary Health Care Development Authority (NPHCDA), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), have pledged their support for the initiative.
WHO Country Representative, Dr. Kelias Msyamboza, promised to extend support to additional four states for an aggressive and effective NCDs prevention and control program.
The event was attended by important personalities, including States Commissioners of Health and Directors of Public Health of various states.
Eight national policy documents were launched, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against Non-Communicable Diseases.
