LOCAL, INT’L NGOS WELCOME FG LAUNCH OF NIGERIA’S SODIUM REDUCTION GUIDELINES

The Federal Government launch of the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction is receiving commendations, as a global health organisation, Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) says it is a crucial step to tackling the scourge of non-communicable diseases in the country. RTSL is an international nongovernmental health organisation, which is committed to saving 100 million lives from cardiovascular disease and a critical Nigeria public health partner. RTSL, together with Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) are part of the local and international public health partners with the Federal Government for the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction. Mrs Okeoma Obasi, Principal Advisor, RTSL Nigeria, spoke during the launch in Abuja on Wednesday, where she noted that the guideline would help Nigeria navigate a path towards curbing excessive sodium intake, a major risk factor for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which are the leading causes of death globally. Okeoma said: “In Nigeria, NCDs pose a significant threat, particularly cardiovascular diseases, which have the highest prevalence among all NCDs. The effort to reduce excess sodium intake is a crucial step in mitigating this risk. Cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of at least 19 million people annually, making them the leading cause of NCD deaths globally. The development of a national sodium reduction guideline by the Federal Ministry of Health and social welfare is a commendable move.” Emphasising the importance of the guidelines, she noted that Nigeria had now joined “a select group of countries worldwide in marking a significant step toward reducing excess sodium intake—a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. “Resolve to Save Lives extends its heartfelt commendation to the Federal Ministry of Health and social welfare under the leadership of the coordinating minister for her assiduous efforts in developing a national sodium reduction guideline. A special appreciation goes to the multisectoral technical working group on sodium reduction, whose dedication, hard work and rigor have resulted in an evidence-based guideline, leveraging on international best practice. “Nigeria has indeed positioned itself as a leader in promoting healthy food policies in the African region, demonstrating its commitment to addressing the burden of non-communicable diseases and promoting a healthier population. “I would like to reiterate our deepest appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and social welfare, the multisectoral technical working group on sodium reduction for their tireless efforts in developing this groundbreaking guideline. As we mark this significant milestone, we renew our commitment to supporting the government to tackle the scourge of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria. Together, we can create a healthier, brighter future for our nation." Similarly, Mrs Joy Amafah-Isaac, the Country Coordinator for Food and Nutrition Programs in Nigeria at Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), commended Nigeria for the “giant strides” towards sodium reduction, saying it was key to saving lives. Amafah-Isaac noted that in the last one year, the ministry of health worked tirelessly alongside GHAI and other partners to ensure that the Guideline was put together to improve nutrition and reduce the mortality caused by NCDs. She recalled that in 2018, Nigeria and other countries committed to reducing the population’s sodium intake by 30 percent. “It’s amazing to see that Nigeria did not just commit, but they have made giant strides towards achieving it,” said the nutrition expert. Executive Director, CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, commended the Ministry for the launch, describing it as a milestone. “It marks another major milestone in safeguarding public health in Nigeria through the promotion of heathy diet. “We strongly believe that effective implementation of this guideline will help in no small measure in reducing excessive sodium intake and reduce cases of cardiovascular diseases and non communicable diseases in Nigeria,” Oluwafemi added.