Nigerian Medical Association Warns of Health Crisis

Health experts in Nigeria are raising alarms over the increasing prevalence of life-threatening illnesses such as kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, attributing this rise to the consumption of junk foods, alcohol, tobacco, sugary drinks, and illicit drugs. Prof. Francis Faduyile, the past President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), stated that these conditions, once seen as "diseases of the rich," are now affecting all demographics, leading to significant health crises and economic strain on families.

He emphasized that the deregulation of herbal medicines has exacerbated the issue, as many harmful concoctions are sold without regulation. Prof. Faduyile warned that substances like alcohol and drugs are causing earlier onset of liver damage and heart issues, particularly among younger populations.

He also dismissed the belief that e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes, noting that they pose serious health risks as well.