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Nigerians abusing salt intake fueling hypertension, heart diseases -CAPPA

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The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has said that the rising cases of hypertension and some cardiovascular diseases is due flarant abuse of salt intake in the country.

Executive Director, CAPPA, Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at a forum on ‘Healthy Diets: Set salt targets to expand access to healthy foods’ on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, Nigerians are flouting of World Health Organization’s (WHO) on daily salt intake, with hypertension, mainly caused by an increased intake of salt or sodium, accounts for 12% of deaths in Nigeria.

The event was also attended by Dr Jerome Mafemi, Technical Advisor, Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) and Mrs Vanessa Alfa, Coordinator Cardiovascular Research Unit, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.

“Presently, Nigeria records an estimated daily salt consumption reaching up to 5.8grams per day, dangerously exceeding the WHOs recommended limit of 2 grams of sodium per day or less than 5 grams of salt per day, which is equivalent to just one teaspoon of salt daily,” Oluwafemi said.

He quoted the Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance, as saying that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease are the primary cause of death and disability worldwide.

He said that these alarming statistics are not surprising given the significant changes in the Nigerian diet over the past decade.

“The influx of processed foods and seasonings loaded with high sodium on local market shelves and the growth of unhealthy fast-food outlets has led to a nutritional transition in the country that poses a grave risk to public health.

“Added to this risk is the recent reports of unbranded and unmeasured seasoning overtaking the markets in Northern Nigeria. In no distant time, the woes of these unchecked sales of Monosodium glutamate will manifest.”

He urged the Federal Ministry of health and Social Welfare (FMHSW) and National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to take proactive steps to formulate healthy food policies and enforce them within the country.

He said, “As the yuletide beckons, many Nigerians will go back home with large quantities of over salted snacks and other products innocently, trusting that the government has done the needful. It is therefore imperative that we call on the government, especially the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and NAFDAC to prioritise policy on mandatory salt targets in Nigeria.”

Mrs Alfa said that, the small chops that is gaining ground across the country is a recipe for uncontrolled and excessive salt intake.

She urged Nigerian to be wary of excessive salt intake in the name of seasoning foods and improving food tastes.

Dr Mafeni on his part, said that the campaign is a collaborative effort between NHED, CAPPA, and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).

He said that excessive salt consumption has become a pressing public health concern in Nigeria, contributing to the rising burden of NCDs such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke.

“Studies have shown that high salt intake is a major risk factor for these diseases, and it is estimated that NCDs account for 29% of all deaths in Nigeria.

He said that high salt intake is directly linked to increased blood pressure, which is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
“Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for a significant number of premature deaths and disabilities in Nigeria.

“By reducing salt intake, we can significantly lower the incidence of hypertension and related diseases, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs,” he said.

He also urged the media to highlight the health risks associated with high salt intake and the benefits of reducing salt consumption, by providing accurate and evidence-based information to the public among other recommendations.

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Hon. Larai Leads Initiative To Enhance Healthcare In Jaba LGA

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By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku, the Executive Chairman of Jaba Local Government Area, has taken a significant step toward improving healthcare by hosting a Health Advisory Meeting.

The focus of the meeting was to evaluate the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health, and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) Scorecard, ensuring that healthcare services within the region are enhanced to meet the needs of residents.

During the meeting, Mrs. Alisabatu David Haruna, the Health Secretary of Jaba LGA, provided an in-depth analysis of the RMNCAH+N Scorecard. She outlined crucial performance indicators, key achievements, and critical areas that require immediate intervention, which highlight the strengths and weaknesses within the local health sector, emphasising the urgent need to bolster healthcare services.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku commended the relentless efforts of the health department in ensuring quality healthcare across Jaba LGA.

She reiterated her administration’s dedication to improving maternal and child health services, ensuring that women and children receive the necessary medical attention and support. “I will build a healthier and more resilient Healthcare in Jaba LGA” Hon. Laria stated.

The Chairperson also acknowledged the invaluable support of Governor Uba Sani in advancing healthcare initiatives across Kaduna State. She highlighted the governor’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, particularly through policies and interventions that focus on maternal and child health, nutrition, and primary healthcare services.

Hon. Larai assured continued alignment with the governor’s vision of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to all residents of Jaba LGA.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the traditional institution, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

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These organisations pledged their unwavering support in raising healthcare awareness and facilitating the implementation of crucial health initiatives within Jaba LGA. Their collaboration will help enhance public health education and ensure that healthcare policies reach grassroots communities.

Hon. Larai reaffirmed that healthcare remains a cornerstone of her administration’s 7-point agenda.

By prioritising healthcare development, her administration seeks to create a robust health system that caters to all residents, particularly women, children, and vulnerable groups.

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Breast cancer cases projected to rise by 38% by 2050 – WHO

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World Health Organisation (WHO) has said in a new report that breast cancer cases are expected to increase by 38 per cent globally by 2050.

The findings from a report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialised branch of WHO, also projected annual deaths from the disease to rise by 68 percent.

It warned that if the current trend was not checked, the cases would continue to rise.

The findings were published in Nature Medicine on Monday.

They warn further that if current trends continue, the world will see 3.2 million new breast cancer cases and 1.1 million related deaths each year by mid-century.

“The burden will be disproportionately felt in low- and middle-income countries, where access to early detection, treatment and care remains limited,” the findings indicate.

“Every minute, four women are diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide and one woman dies from the disease, and these statistics are worsening,” the report, quoted Dr. Joanne Kim, an IARC scientist and co-author of the report, as saying.

“Countries can mitigate or reverse these trends by adopting primary prevention policies, such as WHO’s recommended ‘best buys’ for non-communicable disease prevention, and by investing in early detection and treatment,” she added.

Kim noted that breast cancer remained the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall.

In 2022 alone, an estimated 2.3 million new cases were diagnosed, with 670,000 deaths reported.

However, the report highlights significant disparities across regions.

The highest incidence rates were recorded in Australia, New Zealand, North America and Northern Europe, while the lowest rates were found in South-Central Asia and parts of Africa.

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Meanwhile, the highest mortality rates were reported in Melanesia, Polynesia and Western Africa, where limited access to healthcare contributes to poorer outcomes.

The link between breast cancer survival and economic development is stark.

In high-income countries, 83 percent of diagnosed women survive, whereas in low-income countries, more than half of women diagnosed with breast cancer die from it.

WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative in 2021, aiming to reduce breast cancer mortality rates by 2.5 per cent per year, which can prevent 2.5 million deaths by 2040.

The initiative focuses on early detection, timely diagnosis and access to quality treatment.

Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of IARC’s Cancer Surveillance Branch, emphasised the need for high-quality cancer data to drive better policies in lower-income regions.

“Continued progress in early diagnosis and improved access to treatment are essential.

“These will help to address the global gap in breast cancer and ensure that the goal of reducing suffering and death from breast cancer is achieved by all countries worldwide,” she said.

The report underscores the importance of stronger health systems, increased funding for breast cancer screening and treatment and the adoption of cost-effective prevention policies.

With the projected rise in cases and deaths, the international community faces an urgent challenge.

This is the one that requires coordinated action to ensure millions of lives are not lost to a disease that is increasingly preventable and treatable.(NAN)

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Don’t ‘Japa,’ Health Minister Tells Newly Recruited Staff

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The Minister of State for Health, Dr Adekunle Salako, yesterday urged the newly recruited staff of the National Orthopedic Hospital, Benin, to remain in the hospital where they have been employed and contribute their quota to the country’s growth rather than ‘japa’ (leaving the country).

He appealed while touring the hospital facilities in Benin.

Dr. Salako said that the country belongs to them, and they must join hands to make it work and not migrate to other countries.

“The President is committed to improving the standard of living of the average Nigerian. He is committed to ensuring that Nigeria transforms into a place we all can live comfortably and be proud of.

“So, for those of us who are newly employed, please let us remain committed to our country. Let us display patriotism to the government. Let’s not abandon our country and Japa, as they say, because of economic crises alone.

“I want to come back and see that all the newly employed people remain in the service of this hospital serving our country because nobody is going to come to build this country for us.

“If we don’t do it ourselves when we go, we still come back and meet it the way we have left it. Therefore, I want to encourage all of you to remain committed and patriotic and serve Nigeria intelligently.

“The reform that Mr. President is doing is for the betterment of our country. I can assure you that we are turning the corner, and things are getting better. Very soon, things will get much, much, and much better,” Dr. Salako said.

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Earlier, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the National Orthopedic Hospital, Benin, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, thanked President Tinubu for his efforts in assuring that health care remains a priority of his administration.

He said that no nation can develop without investing hugely in the health and education of its people.

Dr. Ugbodaga said since this infrastructure came on board, they have done everything to ensure that the healthcare needs of Nigerians take the centre stage in line with the renewed hope agenda of the present administration.

The hospital’s CMD said that only a few things remain to be installed: the electrical fittings and the connection to the national grid, a few structural things to be done, and then the final painting.

He said, “You will agree with me that all of these are very minor. So it is our plea, our minister, that with your full support, we are very hopeful that very soon, those few structural things that needed to be done are completed in this hospital so that full clinical services will commence”.

On the part of the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Michael Ogbonmwan, while commending the federal government for siting the hospital in his community, offered his land as a parking lot for the hospital.

“Also, I want to remind the management that the open space

opposite the hospital, which was for my personal use. It was a means of livelihood for me. Now that the hospital needs it for packing space and beautifying the edifice, it is my prayer that the federal government and the hospital management put me on a monthly stipend to enable me to meet some of my personal needs.

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“I want to equally draw your attention to the road links to the National Orthopedic Hospital to be fixed for easy accessibility.

“Finally, I want to announce to all and sundry and to the hospital in particular that the following compound has been donated to the National Orthopedic Hospital as a permanent site.

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