Abuja:Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing health challenges in Nigeria, as highlighted by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate. He emphasized the urgent need for the health system to prepare for this growing burden.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Prof. Pate made these remarks in Abuja during the unveiling of a book on Nigeria’s NCDs and health reforms, organized by the Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON). He noted that conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, sickle cell disease, cancers, and neurological disorders are on the rise, partly due to lifestyle changes and an ageing population.
Pate outlined the progress of Nigeria’s health reforms, which began over two decades ago and culminated in the National Health Act. Significant advancements have been made in the past three years, including the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMI), which has reduced maternal deaths by 22% and newborn deaths by 10%.
A recent mini Demographic and Health Survey indicated improvements in skilled birth attendance, antenatal care, and contraceptive prevalence. Despite these advances, challenges such as HIV, tuberculosis, and maternal mortality persist. However, malaria incidence has dropped to its lowest level in 20 to 30 years, now at 15%.
The minister also discussed the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which has enhanced governance by involving federal, state, and local governments, civil society, and the private sector. The federal health budget allocation has increased to 6%, and states are encouraged to increase their funding for health.
In efforts to expand healthcare, the government has retrained nearly 80,000 frontline health workers, doubled admission quotas for medical and nursing students, and commissioned world-class tertiary centers and diagnostic facilities. A recent Federal Executive Council approval earmarked over N268 billion for major infrastructure projects at the National Hospital, Abuja.
Efforts to promote prevention include the National Health Promotion Policy and the Know Your Numbers campaign, which has screened 10 million Nigerians for various health markers. Additionally, Medipool, a group purchasing organization, aims to provide affordable medicines at primary healthcare centers.
To support those with NCDs, more than seven million Nigerians have been added to health insurance in the last three years through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). Local pharmaceutical manufacturing is being expanded through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).
HERFON’s Chairman, Alhaji Idris Muhammed, praised the foundation’s role in healthcare advocacy and policy, which includes analysis and recommendations on managing NCDs. The book launched is a culmination of extensive review by experts from various countries, offering insights into the current state and necessary actions to mitigate the impact of NCDs.