…tasks govt on food regulation to protect citizens
By Danmaryam Zayamu
The Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), has called on governments at all levels to adopt what it described as strong food regulations that protect citizens.
It also called on communities across the country to embrace healthier lifestyles and demand accountability, urging individuals to make small daily changes: eat less salt, avoid processed foods, stay active and check blood pressure regularly.
The group made the call in a press release to mark the 2025 World Heart Day which was made available to journalists in Abuja, on Monday.
NHED stressed that policies save lives, insisting that clear warning labels on packaged foods empower Nigerians to make informed choices, while sodium reduction programmes can lower blood pressure and prevent thousands of deaths every year.
The Press Release quoted the NHED Technical Advisor, Dr Jerome Mafeni, as saying that: “Every heartbeat matters. Nigerians cannot afford to miss the opportunity to protect their hearts.
“By eating fresh foods, reducing salt and choosing healthier options, we save lives. But individual effort is not enough. Government action on sodium reduction and clear front-of-pack warning labels is critical to protecting millions.”
The group further noted that this year’s theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat”, reminds everyone that every heartbeat is precious and that timely action can prevent needless loss of life from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
Cardiovascular diseases, NHED stressed, remain the world’s leading cause of death, claiming over 20 million lives each year.
“In Nigeria, rising rates of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease are linked to unhealthy diets, excess salt consumption, tobacco use, alcohol and physical inactivity. Most cases are preventable through healthier lifestyles and stronger food policies,” the group disclosed.
