Health Minister Links The Surge In Non-communicable Diseases To Aging And Lifestyle Changes
In A Recent Discussion On Channels Television’s “Sunrise Daily” Program, Prof Ali Pate, The Coordinating Minister Of Health And Social Welfare, Shed Light On The Growing Prevalence Of Non-communicable Diseases (Ncds) In Nigeria, Attributing This Trend To The Effects Of Aging And Evolving Lifestyles.
Non-communicable Diseases, Often Referred To As Chronic Diseases, Encompass A Range Of Health Conditions, Including Cardiovascular Diseases, Cancers, Chronic Respiratory Diseases, And Diabetes, As Defined By The World Health Organization.
Prof Pate Emphasized That NCDs Are Becoming More Prominent In Nigeria Due To A Combination Of Factors. He Stated, “Non-communicable Diseases Are More Prominent, Partly Because We Are Aging, Partly Because Of Lifestyle Changes – That Needs To Be Accounted For. Nigeria Is Going Through Multiple Transitions All At Once. It Is Undergoing A Demographic Transition With A Population That Is Youthful. At The Same Time, It’s Aging, And The Structure Of Our Population Is Changing Gradually.”
He Further Explained, “We Are Having An Epidemiological Transition Whereby The Patterns Of Diseases That We Have Had For The Last Several Decades Are Gradually Giving Way To Other New Diseases.”
In A Related Development, Prof Pate Recently Unveiled A Four-point Agenda Aimed At Enhancing The Delivery Of Improved Healthcare To Nigerians. This Agenda Includes Measures To Enhance The Effectiveness Of Health Governance, Minimize Political Interference, And Strengthen Regulatory Capacities, Such As Those Of The National Agency For Food And Drug Administration And Control (NAFDAC).
As Nigeria Grapples With These Complex Health Challenges, The Government Is Taking Steps To Adapt And Respond To The Evolving Healthcare Landscape, Ensuring That Quality Healthcare Services Are Accessible To All Citizens.
