Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have emerged as a significant public health concern in Nigeria, constituting a notable portion of the country’s disease burden.
Excessive salt intake stands out among the risk factors associated with NCDs, exacerbating conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke.
Addressing this issue requires urgent interventions, with one such approach being a Salt Reduction Campaign.
Recognizing the pivotal role of the media in its success, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has emphasized the importance of media involvement in promoting this campaign.
During a recent Journalism Training session on Salt Reduction in Lagos, CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, highlighted how the media can drive awareness, behavior change, and policy influence to combat NCDs effectively.
Oluwafemi pointed out that Nigeria is currently grappling with a staggering burden of NCDs, a fact corroborated by recent data.
He noted the alarming trend of increased crowdfunding for lifelong diseases associated with NCDs, evident even through social media observations.
According to Oluwafemi, Nigeria’s daily salt consumption stands at an estimated 5.8 grams, significantly surpassing the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit of 2 grammes of sodium per day or less than 5 grammes of salt per day, equivalent to just one teaspoon.
“Non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, remain the leading cause of death and disability worldwide,” Oluwafemi remarked.
He highlighted hypertension, primarily attributed to excessive salt intake, as accounting for 12 per cent of deaths in Nigeria.
“As a health-focused civil society organisation, our duty is to enlighten the public about the perils associated with their dietary choices, particularly when driven by a lack of awareness,” Oluwafemi stressed.
He reiterated CAPPA’s commitment to advocating for relevant legislation to safeguard Nigerians’ health, while urging journalists to play a pivotal role in the salt reduction campaign.
CAPPA boss however expressed gratitude to partners, including the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) and the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), Oluwafemi emphasised the collaborative effort required to address this pressing public health issue.
Dr Jerome Mafeni, delivering a lecture titled: “Salt Consumption in Nigeria and the Need for Policy Intervention,” highlighted the alarming statistics that Nigerians are consuming twice the recommended salt intake.
He attributed this trend to dietary habits, cultural preferences, and the prevalence of processed and packaged foods.
He underscored the adverse health implications of high salt consumption, including high blood pressure, kidney damage, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and a substantial public health burden.
Mafeni noted that clear targets on salt content in industries, heightened public awareness about health risks, and cost-effective strategies for healthcare savings and economic gains.
Mafeni emphasised the need for rigorous advocacy and regulation to combat this pervasive health issue, proposing policy strategies such as setting salt targets, education and awareness campaigns, and food labeling regulations.
Also, Bukola Odele, a Food & Nutrition Scientist, works for Corporate Accountability and Public
Participation Africa on its Food Policy
Program as the Program Officer for
Cardiovascular Health (CHV) said objectives of the campaign is to utilize media and communication strategies to empower decisions makers and public actively monitor policy makers .
Others who also lectured at the training includes Alfa Vanessa, a researcher at the University of Abuja Cardiovascular Research Unit of National Sodium Study Findings (NSS) and Robert Egbe, Communication Officer, CAPPA.
