The Federal Government has launched the national guideline for sodium reduction in a significant move to address the growing burden of hypertension in Nigeria.
The initiative aims to reduce the excessive sodium intake that is contributing to the alarming rise in hypertension, currently affecting over 35% of adults in Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, in his ministerial address, said the launch is a defining moment in the nation’s commitment to protect and enhance the health of every Nigerian.
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He explained that the guideline is a carefully crafted framework that symbolizes the country’s determination to prevent the adverse health consequences of excessive sodium intake.
The minister also said the guidelines set clear limits for sodium content in processed and packaged foods, promote public education and behavior change campaigns, and establish robust evaluation and monitoring mechanisms.
“It is the first of its kind on the African continent and has been developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO),” he said.
Salako extended an invitation to industry partners to embrace reformulation, emphasising that this initiative is not a regulatory imposition but an opportunity to pioneer healthier consumer products.
He also encouraged public health advocates, educators, and community leaders to support the national effort through community outreach and education.
The launch of the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction is a critical step towards achieving a healthier Nigeria. The commitment we make today to reduce sodium consumption is an investment in the longevity, vitality, and prosperity of our people.” He added.
Also, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas, said current estimates indicate that globally, people consume an average of up to 10 g of salt per day, far above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) daily recommendation of <5 g (or 2 grams of sodium)/day.
Anas, who was represented by the Technical Assistant on Health Financing and Systems Strengthening, Dr Sabeeman Muhammed also disclosed that in many middle- and low-income countries, excessive sodium intake results from ‘discretionary’ addition of sodium, high-sodium sauces and condiments during home cooking and use of saltshakers at the table.
“However, globalisation of the food industry is increasing the exposure of populations in middle- and low-income countries to sodium in processed foods.
“As such, a significant portion of sodium in the diet comes from processed and packaged foods, as well as added salt.
“Studies have suggested that cultural preferences for high-salt diets, the use of salt as an inexpensive flavor enhancer, and the increased consumption of processed foods contribute to high salt intake,” ANas said.
She said high dietary sodium intake is of significant public health concern worldwide and it contributes to the global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (including coronary heart diseases) and stroke, which currently affects approximately 30% of Nigerian adults.
“Excessive dietary sodium intake Is a major risk factor for hypertension and its related complications, which leads to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), end-stage renal diseases and stroke. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that communities that consume large amounts of salt in their diet have a high incidence of hypertension. She added.
In her goodwill message, the Principal Advisor, Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria, Mrs Okeoma Obasi, the effort to reduce excess sodium intake is a crucial step in mitigating this risk.
She noted that 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.
“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.
“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,” she said.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa(CAPPA), Akinbode Oluwafemi, the launch marks another major milestone in safeguarding public health in Nigeria through the promotion of healthy diet.
“We strongly believe that effective implementation of this guideline will help in no small measure in reducing excessive sodium intake and reducing cases of Cardiovascular Diseases and Non-communicable Diseases in Nigeria.”
“We remain committed to our partnership with the ministry and its agencies in promoting polices to enhance positive health outcomes,” he said.
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