The upsurge of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria

A plethora of non-communicabele diseases have pervaded the world in recent times, particularly, developing nations like Nigeria, and a variety of risk factors are responsible for this rise. This can be attributed to the increasing urbanization process as well as the westernization of lifestyle and eating patterns. Due to their insufficient healthcare and their often underdeveloped and unprepared health systems for these diseases, developing countries like ours (Nigeria) often have a heavier burden of these diseases than developed countries. If immediate and evidence-based measures to reverse the trend are not successfully implemented, non-communicable diseases will continue to account for more than three-quarters of all fatalities in Nigeria.

Additionally, there are glaring gaps in the evidence supporting the effective application of therapies for non-communicable diseases in the context of primary healthcare in Sub-Saharan African nations. In Nigeria, models and approaches that effectively influence the design of interventions that address the needs of communities and individuals are often inadequate. Nigerian public health policies have prioritized the prevention of communicable diseases for a long time, which has resulted in a lack of the data needed to make policy decisions for non-communicable diseases. Nigerian communities need to pay more attention to non-communicable diseases because these health issues cause financial losses, household poverty, and decreased productivity. Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), malignancies, chronic respiratory illnesses, diabetes, and mental health disorders have been dubbed “a silent pandemic.” High blood pressure has been identified as the main risk factor for CVDs. Of these diseases, CVDs account for 17.5 million fatalities yearly and are the major cause of mortality. Tobacco usage, harmful alcohol use, unhealthy foods, physical inactivity, and air pollution are all risk factors for these diseases.

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According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), non-communicable diseases are fueled by variables such as population ageing, increased unplanned urbanization, and globalization of unhealthy lifestyles. Obesity, rising blood lipids, increased blood glucose, and high blood pressure are all symptoms of unhealthy diets and insufficient exercise in humans. These are known as metabolic risk factors, and they can result in cardiovascular diseases. Concentrating on lowering the risk factors connected to these diseases is a crucial step in the control of non-communicable diseases. Governments and other stakeholders have access to low-cost alternatives to lessen the prevalent modifiable risk factors. To set policy and priorities, it is crucial to monitor the development and trends of non-communicable diseases and associated risk. A comprehensive strategy is required to diminish the effects of non-communicable diseases on people and society. To do this, all sectors must work together to lower the risks of these diseases and promote measures to prevent and control them.

The detection, screening, and treatment of non-communicable diseases involve giving those who require it access to palliative care. To improve early detection and prompt treatment, high-impact important therapies can be provided through a primary health care model. According to research, these interventions are great financial investments because, if given to patients promptly, they can prevent the need for more expensive therapy. But unfortunately, universal access to crucial therapies is unlikely in nations with insufficient health insurance coverage like Nigeria. The SDG aim of a one-third reduction in premature deaths from non-communicable diseases by 2030 and the global target of a 25% relative decrease in the risk of premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2025 both depend on their management measures.

Nigerians must realize that adopting a healthy lifestyle is an evidence-based strategy for lowering the incidence of non-communicable diseases. They must concur with their medical professionals, work with the government to utilize the available infrastructure, and intentionally cultivate the self-motivation and cues for adopting healthy lifestyle practices. In general, people should lead active lifestyles, get immunized, schedule frequent medical checkups, and refrain from using herbal therapies for which there is no scientific evidence of efficacy. To reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, healthy living patterns should not be developed solely by personal willpower. When there are structures, motivational support networks, and national policies, healthy lifestyles are more likely to remain.

The upsurge of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria