Urgent Action Needed on Nigeria's Non-Communicable Diseases

Experts have raised urgent concerns regarding the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria, emphasizing that without immediate intervention, the situation will worsen. This was discussed during a two-day capacity-strengthening workshop organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Welfare in Nasarawa State.

Vice President Lisdel Muham Usman highlighted the critical need for stakeholders to address Nigeria's growing NCD burden, noting that current budget allocations for NCDs are grossly inadequate. Prof. Emmanuel Alhassan pointed out significant gaps in Nigeria's response to NCDs, revealing that last year, no funds were released for NCD initiatives.

Dr. Alayo Sopekan described NCDs as chronic conditions largely driven by lifestyle factors, stressing the importance of addressing unhealthy habits. The workshop aimed to identify these gaps and develop a new multisector action plan to strengthen advocacy and mobilize resources effectively.