The Special Adviser to the President on Health, Salma Anas-Kolo Ibrahim, has called for urgent action to address the growing issue of hypertension and excessive salt consumption in Nigeria.
Ibrahim made the during her investiture ceremony as policy champion and social media influencer for salt target regulations in Nigeria organised by the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED).
Ibrahim stressed the need for public education and policy intervention to tackle cardiovascular diseases, placing an enormous strain on the country’s health system.
She highlighted alarming statistics that approximately 38.1 per cent of Nigerian adults suffer from hypertension, equating to one in every three adults.
“This high prevalence, coupled with excessive salt intake, estimated at 10 grams per meal, is double the recommended limit of the World Health Organisation (WHO). It contributes to 10 per cent of cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the country,” she said.
She underscored the importance of adhering to the WHO’s sodium consumption guidelines of less than two grams per meal, equivalent to less than one teaspoon of salt.
Ibrahim pointed out that current dietary habits, which heavily rely on salt in home-cooked and processed foods, exacerbate the issue.
