L-R: Lukman Ishau, Vice Chairman, Brand Journalist association of Nigeria(BJAN); Dr Ajibola Arwa, Associate professor of Finance at the department of finance LASU; Dr Kanalio Yvonne Olalokun, Nutrition Institute and Wyeth Nutrition Science Centre Manager Central & West Africa, NESTLE; Mr Daniel Obi, President, BJAN and Adedayo Odulaja, Secretary, BJAN, during One Day Capacity Building workshop on Rethinking the NCD Crisis: A Holistic Approach to the Debate in Nigeria, organized by Brand Journalist Association of Nigeria, held in Lagos recently.
By Tunji Faleye
With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) posing an increasing threat to public health in Nigeria, stakeholders from both the healthcare and media sectors have reiterated how poor diet, pollution, policy failures are fueling Nigeria’s silent health crisis and demands pressing need for coordinated, data-driven strategies to mitigate the crisis.
This call to action came during a recent workshop jointly organized by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) and Health Editors in Nigeria.
The event served as a platform for experts, healthcare professionals, and media practitioners to address the growing incidence of NCDs—such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and chronic respiratory illnesses—which now account for a substantial percentage of annual deaths in the country. These conditions, which typically develop over time, are often overshadowed by the more immediate threat of infectious diseases.
Participants identified lifestyle-related risk factors as key contributors to the worsening NCD crisis. These include poor dietary habits, lack of physical exercise, tobacco use, excessive consumption of alcohol, and long-term stress. Rapid urbanization and evolving food supply systems were also cited as drivers of unhealthy behaviours, leading to an increase in obesity and related health complications.
However, beyond individual choices, environmental conditions were also highlighted as significant risk factors. These include air pollution, inadequate sanitation, chemical exposure, unsafe occupational environments, limited access to green recreational spaces, and the broader implications of climate change.
The stakeholders stressed that structural issues within Nigeria’s healthcare framework further exacerbate the challenge. Among the most critical concerns are low healthcare financing, weak policy implementation, and a severe shortage of medical personnel. The doctor-to-patient ratio remains alarmingly low, with many health workers overstretched and health facilities under-resourced. These systemic deficiencies hinder the prevention, early detection, and effective treatment of NCDs.
To tackle the problem comprehensively, participants proposed a series of strategic interventions. These include nationwide public health education campaigns to promote healthier diets and active lifestyles. Raising awareness about the harmful effects of smoking, alcohol abuse, and sedentary living was seen as essential to prevention efforts.
The experts also emphasized the need to strengthen primary healthcare delivery systems with a focus on preventive services. Regular health screenings and localized community wellness initiatives were among the suggested tools for early intervention.
Other recommendations included:
* Encouraging the food industry to reformulate products by reducing sugar and other harmful additives;
* Introducing supportive policy frameworks that promote nutritious food production and consumption;
* Supporting small-scale enterprises and employment creation to alleviate poverty-induced health vulnerabilities.
Call to action
The workshop underscored the pivotal role of the media in reshaping public perception and influencing health behaviours. Journalists were urged to report health issues with depth and accuracy, moving beyond surface-level coverage to expose the human stories behind the statistics.
Media professionals were also encouraged to become proactive advocates for evidence-based public health policies, correct misinformation, and amplify both government-led and grassroots solutions to NCDs.
With Nigeria facing the twin burdens of infectious and non-communicable diseases, the call for a multi-sectoral and inclusive response has never been more urgent. Experts at the event emphasized that collaboration among government bodies, civil society, private companies, healthcare providers, and the media is essential to reversing the trend and securing a healthier future for the Nigerian population.
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