FG launches four policy documents to combat non-communicable diseases

The federal government has introduced four policy documents to tackle the spread of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria.

Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, launched the documents in Abuja on Thursday at an event tagged ‘Revitalising NCDs prevention and control in Nigeria—Strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration’.

The documents include the national policy for the prevention and control of NCDs, the national NCD task-shifting and task-sharing (NTSTS) policy, and the national guideline for the prevention and management of hypertension.

The national tobacco control strategic plan of action (2024–2028), the newsletter for people living with NCDs (PLWNCDs), and the Federal Republic of Nigeria official gazette—fats, oils, and food containing fats and oils regulations 2022 were also unveiled at the event.

Pate, represented by Daju Kachollom, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, sickle cell disease, and mental health disorders pose a public health threat in Nigeria.

He said the challenges are worsened by demographic and epidemiological shifts and the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diets, and physical inactivity.

The minister pointed out that most NCD risk factors are preventable, noting that the launch of the documents marked a vital step towards a healthier future for the nation.

He assured that the federal government would prioritise the implementation of the policies to ensure improvements in the health and well-being of all Nigerians.

“These are not just guidelines; they are instruments of change that will shape the nation’s healthcare practices and policies for years to come,” Pate said.

“NCDs account for 27 percent 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.”

Speaking at the event, Walter Mulombo, the World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative, highlighted that NCDs have become the world’s leading causes of death, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) suffering the most.

He noted that NCDs are responsible for 29 percent of all deaths in Nigeria, with cardiovascular diseases accounting for the highest mortality rate.

Mulombo emphasised that the newly launched documents would contribute to efforts to prevent and control NCDs in Nigeria.

He added that WHO, in collaboration with the ministry and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), would conduct the second round of the global adult tobacco survey.

“Each year, 17 million people die from NCDs before the age of 70, with an estimated 86 percent of premature deaths occurring in LMICs,” he said.

“These NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and mental health, share common risk factors, with tobacco use being the most significant.”

Nanlop Ogbureke, the executive director of Resolve to Save Lives, called for increased funding for NCDs, noting that infectious diseases have historically received more attention, deprioritising NCDs.

She said limited investment, especially in funding, has hindered efforts to prevent and control NCDs in the country, making collaboration essential.

Ogbureke highlighted the impact of NCDs, including healthcare costs, decreased quality of life, poverty, and reduced mortality and productivity.

“We are committed to pushing this forward and shifting from policy to action,” she said.

“We hope that this partnership and collaboration will help us implement high-impact NCD interventions, forming a formidable coalition to make a difference.”

Stakeholders present at the event expressed confidence that the policies would strengthen the national health system, enabling the delivery of effective, efficient, and affordable health services that improve health outcomes through the prevention and management of NCDs at all levels of care.