FG unveils guideline for sodium reduction to curb hypertension

The federal government has launched the national guideline for sodium reduction.

The initiative is aimed at reducing excessive sodium intake and combating the rising burden of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in the country.

It aims to use a multifaceted approach, including public education and behaviour change campaigns that leverage mass media, social media, and grassroots outreach to increase awareness about the dangers of excessive sodium intake.

The guideline also prioritises continuous monitoring and evaluation, allowing for data-driven decision-making to ensure sodium reduction efforts remain effective and adaptable.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Ishaq Salako, minister of state for health and social welfare, said research shows that Nigeria’s average salt intake far exceeds the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5 grams per day.

Salako, represented by Olubunmi Aribeana, the director, food and drug services department at the ministry of health, added that urbanisation has impacted dietary habits, with increasing consumption of processed and packaged foods.

“Many communities consume between 7 to 9 grams daily, against the WHO’s recommended limit of 5 grams per day,” he said.

“The situation is exacerbated in urban areas, where dining habits lean heavily towards saltier prepared meals, unconsciously risking our lives with dietary habits that could lead to devastating, long-term health consequences.

“These figures are not mere statistics; they are a clarion call for accelerated efforts, rigorous monitoring. The guideline “serves as a blueprint for action and a beacon of hope amid these challenges.”

Salako described the guideline as a “living manifesto for change” that integrates global recommendations with Nigeria’s peculiarity.

“It introduces clear limits on sodium content in processed and packaged foods, ensuring alignment with global health standards through support from the WHO,” he said.

Salako said the document is a product of rigorous research by the Nigeria sodium study team at the University of Abuja, alongside the National Technical Working Group on Sodium Reduction and other key stakeholders.

“Their contributions, alongside insights from both the public and private sectors, have enriched this guideline, making it a robust instrument of public policy,” he added.

Salako directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to implement suitable regulations to enforce sodium targets across food products.

The minister also introduced the National Guideline for Food Handlers’ Medical Test, describing it as a vital measure to safeguard the country’s food supply chain.

Okeoma Obasi, principal advisor at Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria, commended the government’s initiative, saying reducing excess sodium intake is crucial in mitigating the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

“Cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of at least 19 million people annually, making them the leading cause of NCD deaths globally,” she said.

“Today, as a nation, we join a select group of countries worldwide in marking a significant step toward reducing excess sodium intake, a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.”

Akinbode Oluwafemi, executive director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), hailed the launch as a major milestone in safeguarding public health in Nigeria.

“We remain committed to our partnership with the ministry and its agencies in promoting policies to enhance positive health outcomes,” he said.