FG Unveils Policy Documents To Tackle Hypertension, Cancer, Diabetes, Others
By Alice Etuka, Abuja
In line with efforts to confront one of the most significant public health challenges facing Nigeria, the Federal Ministry Of Health and Social Welfare has launched six policy documents to mitigate the effect of Non-Communicable Diseases in the country.
The unveiling ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday, August 22, 2024 was witnessed by development partners, and other stakeholders in the health sector.
In his remarks, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate noted that Non-Communicable Diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, sickle cell disease, and mental health disorders, pose a severe threat to public health in Nigeria.
Pate, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom informed that, “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.
“These challenges are exacerbated by demographic and epidemiological transitions, as well as the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles—such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diets, and physical inactivity”.
The Minister however disclosed that the majority of NCD risk factors were preventable and therefore, “to address these pressing issues, our Ministry has developed a comprehensive response encapsulated in several key policy documents, which we are launching today.
“These include: The National Policy for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, The National NCD Task-Shifting and Task-Sharing (NTSTS) Policy, The National Guideline for the Prevention and Management of Hypertension, The National Tobacco Control Strategic Plan of Action (2024 – 2028), Newsletter for People Living with NCDs (PLWNCDs), The Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette – Fats, Oils, & Food Containing Fats & Oils Regulations 2022”.
According to Pate, the launch of these publications is a crucial step in the nation’s journey towards a healthier future. “These documents are not just guidelines; they are instruments of change that will shape our healthcare practices and policies for years to come”, he said.
In addition, the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality NCD services, enhancing health insurance coverage, and supporting local manufacturing of essential medicines.
“We will continue to prioritize 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.
On his part, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria Country Representative, Dr. Walter kazadi Mulombo commended the Minister and his team for the leadership and commitment towards the prevention and control of NCDs. He said NCDs were the biggest killers world wide with low and medium income countries bearing the brunt.
He announced that WHO would be extending its support that was started in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT to additional four states and would drive very aggressively the NCD prevention and control program in those states to show an example of what it should be to other states.
