Abuja, Nigeria – Salma Anas-Kolo Ibrahim, Special Adviser to the President on Health, has sounded the alarm on the growing issue of hypertension and excessive salt consumption in Nigeria, calling for immediate action to address the problem.
Ms. Ibrahim made the call during her investiture ceremony as Policy Champion for Salt Target Regulations in Nigeria, organized by the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED). Olusina Ajidahun was also appointed as Social Media Influencer.
As Policy Champion, Ms. Ibrahim emphasized the need for public education and policy intervention to tackle cardiovascular diseases, which are placing a significant strain on Nigeria’s health system. She cited alarming statistics, revealing that approximately 38.1% of Nigerian adults suffer from hypertension, equivalent to one in every three adults.
Ms. Ibrahim’s call to action aims to raise awareness about the risks associated with excessive salt consumption and promote policy changes to reduce salt intake, ultimately mitigating the burden of cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria.
“This high prevalence, coupled with excessive salt intake, estimated at 10 grams per meal, is double the recommended limit of the World Health Organisation (WHO). It contributes to 10 per cent of cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the country,” she said.
She underscored the importance of adhering to the WHO’s sodium consumption guidelines of less than two grams per meal, equivalent to less than one teaspoon of salt.
Ms Ibrahim pointed out that current dietary habits, which heavily rely on salt in home-cooked and processed foods, exacerbate the issue.
“The high sodium intake, compounded by rapid urbanisation and changing lifestyles, underscores the need for urgent and sustained public health interventions,” she said.
Ms Ibrahim expressed her commitment to leveraging her platform to raise awareness about the risks associated with high salt intake and the benefits of reducing it.
She emphasised the need for engagement with stakeholders across various sectors, including government bodies, health professionals, and the private sector, to implement effective policies and regulations.
The special adviser also announced the launch of the “Peabody Youth Campaign for Health,” a programme aimed at educating and mobilising young people to advocate for healthier eating habits.
She vowed to collaborate with social media influencers and other partners to spread vital health information across Nigeria.
