Unhealthy diet fueling deadly non-communicable diseases in Nigeria – CAPPA

CAPPA, a Nigerian organization, has highlighted the alarming rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country due to unhealthy food consumption. The Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, emphasized that NCDs like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancer are becoming a major threat to public health.

The World Health Organization reported that NCDs contribute to 30% of deaths in Nigeria, with 22% occurring prematurely between ages 30 and 69. Factors like hypertension affecting one in three urban adults, rising obesity rates, and the prevalence of diabetes among the population are concerning.

CAPPA called for regulatory interventions, such as increased taxes on unhealthy products and clear warning labels, to curb the consumption of harmful foods and beverages. The organization also emphasized the need for public awareness, advocacy, and youth engagement to address this growing health crisis.