The Nigerian government has expressed deep concern over the increasing mortality rates associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including hypertension, heart failure, cardiac arrest, and strokes, among others.
The government has highlighted that the true extent of morbidity and mortality caused by CVDs remains underestimated due to factors such as inadequate awareness, limited screening facilities, and deficiencies in data collection and storage.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, conveyed this concern during the commemoration of the 2023 World Heart Day, which carried the theme “Use Heart, Know Heart.” The event aimed to raise awareness about heart health and encourage preventive measures to combat heart-related illnesses.
Prof. Pate unveiled a significant initiative, the Cardiac Emergency Response Box, also known as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). These portable devices are designed to respond to heart emergencies, particularly cardiac arrest. The AEDs will be strategically deployed at high-population areas, including airports, to enhance the country’s capacity to address cardiac emergencies promptly.
In his address, Prof. Pate stated, “The morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria are underestimated because of inadequate awareness and health-seeking behaviors as well as limited screening, diagnostic and therapeutic services including poor data repository.”
Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Prof. Pate emphasised the global prevalence of CVDs, revealing that they rank as the leading Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and are responsible for an estimated 17.9 million deaths annually.
Alarmingly, 85% of these CVD-related deaths result from heart attacks and strokes, with over three-quarters occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
Further underscoring the gravity of the situation in Nigeria, Prof. Pate referred to WHO’s 2018 Non-Communicable Diseases country profiles. These profiles indicated that NCDs accounted for 29% of all deaths in the country, with CVDs contributing to 11% of NCD-related fatalities. Moreover, the profiles indicated a 22% risk of premature mortality (defined as death occurring between ages 30 and 70) in Nigeria due to common NCDs.
Prof. Pate urged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles and said, “Engage in physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes daily. Some physical activity options include using the stairs instead of the elevator, trekking instead of taking the bus for short distances, and standing up from your seat intermittently to stretch your body.”
Daju Kachollon, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, who was represented by the Director of Public Health at the ministry, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, emphasised the role of lifestyle and dietary choices in heart-related issues.
She highlighted the presence of established guidelines and protocols to address these challenges and pledged to ensure their effective implementation.