By The Nigerian media plays a crucial role in shaping public health awareness and influencing positive behavioral change.
According to experts in the health sector, journalists need to report on health issues accurately, sensitively, and responsibly, advocate for evidence-based policies that foster a healthier nation.
Speaking at a workshop organised by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) in collaboration with Health Editors in Nigeria, with the theme: “Rethinking the NCD Crisis: A Holistic Approach to the Debate in Nigeria”, the experts harped on the essence healthy eating and the role the media plays in educating the public.
An Associate Professor of Finance at Lagos State University (LASU), Dr Ajibola Arewa, in his presentation noted the singular focus of some international non-governmental organisations on reducing sugar consumption to combat NCDs, saying that it is “subjective and lacks sufficient evidence.”
According to him, data on Nigeria’s per capita sugar consumption is well below international benchmarks saying that in Nigeria, the average sugar consumption per day is around 21 grams and the average daily sugar consumption in America is around 28 grams while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a benchmark of 25 grams.
Arewa stated. “This means Nigeria is consuming sugar below the stipulated limit. Therefore, we can not say that the major cause of non-communicable disease is solely from sugar intake through SSBs.”
He disclosed that alcohol consumption and a general lack of physical activity are some factors that contribute to NCDs, noting that WHO studies and other health bodies confirms that while unhealthy diets are a key risk factor for NCDs, alcohol, tobacco, and sedentary lifestyles play major roles.
Arewa further said that studies in Nigeria have shown that a large portion of the population engages in low levels of physical activity.
Reacting to the Nigerian government poor health polices, the don noted that implementing health policies is far beyond good report stressing the lack of funding and facilities.
He said has led to an overburdening of tertiary hospitals adding that there is the need for public education and fitness campaigns, as well as the importance of supporting small businesses in creating healthier food formulations.
Supporting her presentation with data, she stated the challenges of data collection and analysis in Nigeria, disclosing budget and inadequate ICT infrastructure as setback.
While calling for stakeholders collaboration and transparency in health policy implementation, Olalokun noted that more emphasis should be laid on alcohol, tobacco and its impact on consumer behaviour and health outcomes
She said that Nigeria needs fiscal intervention, such as taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in promoting public health adding that more emphasis should be laid on alcohol, tobacco and its impact on consumer behaviour and health outcomes.
And in his presentation, a medical doctor, Dr Godswill Iboma who spoke on Lifestyle and Environment in NCDs prevention, listed unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption as major drivers of NCDs.
According to him, environmental determinants such as air pollution, lack of green spaces, poor sanitation, and climate change contribute to NCDs.
In a communique released later at the end of the workshop, the Key Points and Recommendations were presented to the participants:
Key Points
1. NCDs are a major public health issue: Contributing significantly to mortality in Nigeria, with cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases being major contributors.
2. Lifestyle factors are key drivers: Unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption are major drivers of NCDs.
3. Environmental factors play a role: Environmental determinants such as air pollution, lack of green spaces, poor sanitation, and climate change contribute to NCDs.
4. Need for evidence-based policies: Policies informed by data and research are necessary to effectively address NCDs.
5. Importance of public education and awareness: Educating the public about healthy lifestyles and NCD risks is crucial for prevention and management.
6. Healthcare system strengthening: Improving healthcare infrastructure, access to care, and funding for NCD management is essential.
7. Collaboration and multisectoral approach: A collaborative effort among government agencies, healthcare providers, and stakeholders is necessary to combat NCDs.
Primary Drivers of NCDs in Nigeria
– Behavioral factors:
– Unhealthy diet
– Physical inactivity
– Tobacco use
– Excessive alcohol consumption
– Poor sleep
– Chronic stress
– Unhealthy weight (obesity)
– Environmental factors:
– Pollution
– Climate change and biodiversity loss
– Harmful radiation and unsafe chemicals
– Working conditions
– Lack of access to clean air and green spaces
– Inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)
– Weaknesses in Nigerian health policy and infrastructure:
– Poor policy implementation
– Overburdened healthcare system
– Low doctor-patient ratio
Recommendations
– Public nutrition and fitness education: Promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity through public education.
– Primary and preventive healthcare: Strengthening primary healthcare services and promoting preventive care.
– Incentives for healthy product formulation: Encouraging companies to reformulate products to reduce sugar content.
– Supporting small businesses: Implementing policies that support small businesses and promote job creation.
