Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, says non-communicable diseases are becoming one of the country’s fastest-growing health challenges, calling for stronger prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
Speaking in Abuja at the launch of a book on Nigeria’s non-communicable diseases and health reforms, Pate identifies hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sickle cell disease, cancer and neurological conditions among the illnesses placing increasing pressure on the country’s health system.
He attributes the growing burden partly to lifestyle changes and an ageing population, stressing the need to prepare healthcare facilities and professionals to respond effectively.
The minister also highlights progress recorded under ongoing health reforms, including the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative, known as MAMII.
According to Pate, the initiative has contributed to a 22 per cent reduction in maternal deaths and a 10 per cent decline in newborn deaths.
He also reports improvements in skilled birth attendance, antenatal care and contraceptive use, while malaria incidence has reportedly fallen to 15 per cent, based on recent survey statistics.
However, he acknowledges that HIV, tuberculosis and maternal mortality remain significant public health concerns.
On healthcare investment, Pate says the federal health budget allocation has risen to six per cent, compared with approximately three to four per cent previously. He adds that state governments are being encouraged to increase their own health spending.
The minister says nearly 80,000 frontline health workers have received additional training over the past three years, while admission quotas for medical and nursing students have doubled.
He also highlights the commissioning of three tertiary healthcare centres in Azare, Enugu and Benin, alongside the completion of 10 diagnostic centres equipped with advanced medical technology, including MRI and CT scanners.
Pate further discloses that the Federal Executive Council has approved more than 268 billion naira for major infrastructure projects at the National Hospital in Abuja.
As part of efforts to promote preventive healthcare, the government is implementing the Know Your Numbers campaign, which he says has reached 10 million Nigerians with screening for conditions including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and high cholesterol.
The minister also points to the introduction of Medipool to improve the availability and affordability of essential medicines at primary healthcare facilities.
He adds that more than seven million Nigerians have been enrolled in health insurance over the past three years through the National Health Insurance Authority.
Mediaplusng.com reports that health experts continue to emphasise the importance of early screening, healthier lifestyles and affordable long-term treatment in reducing the impact of non-communicable diseases.
As Nigeria pursues healthcare reforms, sustained investment, public awareness and accessible treatment will remain important in addressing the country’s changing disease burden.
