Life styles which include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity or sedentary life style, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption and not sugar have been identified as major causes of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria.
This was the submission of experts at the One-day Capacity Building Workshop for journalists organized by the Brand Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (BJAN) with the theme: Rethinking the NCD Crisis: Having a Holistic Approach to the Debate in Nigeria held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ikeja on Friday.
It was also disclosed that NCDs contribute significantly to mortality rate in Nigeria with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease being major contributors.
Speaking on the paper entitled: ‘Understanding the Many Factors Behind NCDs, Dr. Ajibola Arewa, an Associate Professor, Lagos State University, Ojo said that despite the assumption that Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) consumption is a major contributor to non-communicable diseases, comparison with other countries showed that Nigeria is consuming sugar below the World Health Organisation’s limit of intake.
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He added that global sugar comparison shows Nigeria consumes less but NCDs is still on the rise suggesting that there are other underlying factors and others like choice of food and environment.
Dr. Arewa attributed other factors to include weak Nigeria policy, weak implementation, poor funding, lack of infrastructure and public awareness, which he said, will result to overburdened hospitals, costly health care and poor prevention.
“The problem is not the sugar itself but its overuse and lack of regulation and to this end, there must be focus on educating the public, clear labeling and healthy alternatives, public nutrition and fitness education.
Stating that tax difference on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) compared to other products is a malicious agenda, Dr. Arewa called for shift from blame to solutions, education, access to healthcare facilities as well as strengthening of primary and preventive healthcare.
He also called for accurate report and advocacy for evidence-based policy in other to reduce NCDs in the country.
In her paper entitled: ‘Ensuring the use of Evidence-Based Data as a Basis for Shaping Health Policies and Fiscal Interventions, Dr. Yvonne Olaloku, Science Centre Manager, Nestle Nutrition and Wyeth Nutrition reiterated the importance of policies in reducing NCDs, adding that evidence-based data plays a crucial role in forming policy decisions in Nigeria by providing a foundation for effective and impactful policy making.
She said: “This data which include statistics research findings, and other forms of evidence help policy makers understand the specific trends of the population, identify potential solutions and access the effectiveness of existing programme.
She added that by using data-driven insights, policy makers can make more informed decisions that lead to better health outcomes for citizens.
Highlighting the importance of evidence-based data usage for health policies, Olaloku explained that this helps in accurate problem identification; informal policy formulation; enhance policy evaluation; it promotes accountability and transparency and efficient resource association.
“It also discourages unhealthy practices; reduce incidence of NCDs as well as generate revenue for the country.
She however said budgeting and finance may be a major challenge adding that with policy makers prioritizing health equity, strengthening health information systems; promoting research and evidence translation; implementing and evaluating policies effectively; stakeholder collaboration and improve budgetary allocation, can make policies work for good health system in the country.
Dr. Godswill Iboma of Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences (EkoUNIMED), Lagos, who spoke on the topic: ‘Integrating Life Style Modifications and Environmental Factors for Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Prevention’ said that according to European Journal of Internal Medicine (2022), estimates show that by 2030 NCDs will be responsible for about 52 million deaths worldwide therefore the need for lifestyle modifications through nutritional, exercise, psychological, social, environmental and pharmaceutical interventions.
“Also the need to make intentional changes to daily habits that can significantly improve health and well-being, focusing on sustainable practices rather than drastic changes with the process of making simple yet impactful adjustments to daily routines and habits,” he said.
He however added that in as much as lifestyle is crucial to health, the environment is also important but regrettably environmental factors are not always in our control therefore the increase in NCDs.
Dr. Iboma explained further that drugs tackle causative factors and lifestyle modifications have multiplier effects on NCDs but to modify lifestyle and environment to prevent NCDs, there is need for no usage of tobacco in any form; physical activity essential for maintenance of optimal health; no consumption of alcohol, good diet, sleep, green community; reduction in salt intake; drink more and enough water; provision of water, improved sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and maintaining a healthy weight, among others.
Chairman of BJAN, Mr. Dan Obi said that the workshop was aimed primarily to boost the knowledge of participants who are journalists and more importantly to help media practitioners in their role in shaping public health and influencing positive behavioral change.
He appealed to organisations on the need to set aside budget annually for training journalists to enhance their understanding of social economic issues towards improving economy for the benefit of all.
He appreciated partners, agency who helped in organizing the event more especially the resource persons for their insight to the theme of the workshop.
Participants cut across brand and health editors across several media organisations.
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