By Vincess Okushi
The Federal Government has reinstated its commitment to improving the healthcare of citizens, particularly on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, stressing the negative impact of NCDs that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives annually said the administration’s core value is to ensure equitable access to healthcare delivery across all backgrounds.
Speaking at the launching of a series of National Policy Documents titled “Revitalizing NCDs Prevention and Control in Nigeria – Strengthening Multisectoral Collaboration.” on 22nd August 2024, in Abuja, the Minister represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom said the government’s mission to align health outcomes with the vision of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda cannot be overemphasized.
Stressing that these critical documents aim to combat the rising tide of NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and mental health disorders.
Professor Pate noted these diseases now account for 27% of annual deaths in Nigeria.
According to him, approximately 447,800 lives which were lost, occur prematurely between the ages of 30 and 70 despite being preventable.
He highlighted the role of unhealthy lifestyles, such as the use of tobacco, alcohol consumption, and poor diets, that often exacerbates the risks adding that tackling these challenges requires policy reforms and comprehensive action plans to combat the menace.
These aren’t just guidelines; they are instruments of change that will reshape healthcare practices in Nigeria for years to come.
The Minister while citing success stories of countries like Finland and South Africa, on the implementation of strategies to reduce NCD-related deaths said,
Key achievements include expanding cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities in six federal teaching hospitals, training 120,000 frontline health workers, and increasing health insurance coverage. These initiatives reflect the government’s broader goal of achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Meanwhile, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria Dr. Walter Mulumbo, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting NCD prevention and control programs across four additional states, with optimism that the newly launched policy documents would save lives and reduce the impact of NCDs nationwide.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, called for stronger collaboration between community actors and health authorities in fighting NCDs.
Adding that employing effective strategies to correct ongoing healthcare challenges is crucial to guaranteeing health for all.
The launch of eight key national policy documents, including the National Policy for the Prevention and Control of NCDs and the National Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Hypertension, marks a significant stride in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. With a clear focus on prevention, accountability, and excellence, the government is determined to turn the tide in the fight against non-communicable diseases and improve the well-being of millions of Nigerians.