By Simpson Global Media News Desk
ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s health system must prepare more urgently for the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cancers and neurological conditions, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Ali Pate has warned.
Pate described non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as one of the fastest-growing segments of Nigeria’s disease burden while speaking at the unveiling of a two-volume publication on chronic illnesses and health-sector reforms organised by the Health Sector Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON) in Abuja on October 15, 2026. The publication, A Review of Non-Communicable Diseases in Nigeria, brings together contributions from more than 70 authors and examines the burden, prevention, management and control of these conditions. <Cite refs={["turn844658view0","turn844658search1","turn844658search3"]}/>
The minister’s warning comes as Nigeria continues to address communicable diseases, maternal and newborn deaths, gaps in primary healthcare and the high cost of accessing medical services. The increasing significance of chronic diseases adds another layer of pressure on a health system expected to provide timely diagnosis, long-term treatment and preventive services to a large and growing population. <Cite refs={["turn844658view0","turn844658view1"]}/>
NCDs differ from many infectious diseases because they often develop over time and can require continuous monitoring and treatment. Some are associated with factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol consumption and air pollution, while others involve genetic, environmental or other biological influences. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes as the four major groups responsible for a large share of deaths from NCDs globally. <Cite refs={["turn844658search6"]}/>
For Nigeria, the challenge is not simply to treat people after symptoms become severe. It is also to identify risks earlier, expand access to routine screening, improve public awareness and make essential medicines and follow-up care more accessible.
Pate said the government was pursuing preventive health measures alongside broader reforms, including the National Health Promotion Policy and the Know Your Numbers campaign, which he said had reached 10 million Nigerians with checks covering blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and prostate-specific antigen. <Cite refs={["turn844658view0"]}/>
The growing focus on chronic diseases raises important questions about whether screening services, primary healthcare facilities, trained personnel, diagnostic equipment and affordable medicines can keep pace with demand.
Chronic diseases become a greater health-system concern
Non-communicable diseases are not new to Nigeria, but their growing contribution to illness and healthcare needs is drawing renewed attention from policymakers and health professionals.
The conditions grouped under the NCD label vary considerably. Hypertension affects blood pressure and can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular complications. Diabetes involves problems with blood glucose regulation and can damage blood vessels, nerves, kidneys and other organs when inadequately controlled. Cardiovascular diseases affect the heart and blood vessels, while strokes occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or when bleeding damages brain tissue.
Cancer refers to a broad group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth, and neurological disorders can affect movement, cognition, sensation and other functions of the nervous system. These conditions do not share a single cause or treatment, meaning prevention, diagnosis and management must be adapted to individual diseases and patients. <Cite refs={["turn844658view0","turn844658search3","turn844658search6"]}/>
Pate attributed the increasing importance of chronic illnesses partly to lifestyle changes and an ageing population. His comments highlight the need for the health system to respond to changing patterns of disease rather than concentrating only on conditions that require emergency treatment or short-term care. <Cite refs={["turn844658view0"]}/>
As people live longer, more may need care for conditions that require years of monitoring. At the same time, changes in diet, physical activity, urban living and other circumstances can influence the risks associated with some NCDs. These factors do not affect every person in the same way, and individual risk cannot be determined by age or lifestyle alone.
The policy challenge is therefore twofold: to reduce preventable risks where possible and to ensure that people who develop chronic diseases can obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
A health system that focuses mainly on treating severe complications may miss opportunities to identify disease earlier. By the time a person develops a stroke, heart attack, kidney complication or advanced cancer, treatment can become more complex and costly. Early detection does not prevent every complication, but it can create opportunities for timely intervention and improved management.
The WHO identifies screening, diagnosis, treatment and continuing care as important parts of the response to NCDs. It also emphasises the need to address preventable risk factors through wider public-health measures. <Cite refs={["turn844658search6"]}/>
Hypertension: a major test for preventive healthcare
Hypertension is one of the chronic conditions that demonstrates why routine screening and continuing treatment matter.
High blood pressure can persist for years without obvious symptoms. People may feel healthy while their blood pressure remains elevated, making regular measurement important for identifying the condition. Untreated or inadequately controlled hypertension increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious complications.
WHO’s 2025 hypertension profile for Nigeria estimates that approximately 22 million adults aged 30 to 79 have hypertension. Of these, about 11 million had been diagnosed, around seven million were receiving treatment and approximately 2.9 million had their blood pressure controlled. The profile estimates that only 13 per cent of adults in this age group living with hypertension have the condition under control. <Cite refs={["turn844658search24"]}/>
These figures show that identifying hypertension is only one part of the challenge. People must also be able to obtain treatment, follow medical advice and return for monitoring.
Some patients may be unaware that they have the condition. Others may have been diagnosed but struggle to maintain treatment because of medicine costs, transport expenses, limited access to health facilities or other practical difficulties. These barriers can vary by location and household circumstances; they should not be interpreted as evidence that every patient experiences the same challenges.
Hypertension management typically involves appropriate clinical assessment, prescribed medication where indicated, follow-up measurements and advice about relevant lifestyle factors. Patients should not stop or change prescribed medicines without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
The Know Your Numbers campaign, which Pate said had reached 10 million Nigerians with health checks, is relevant to this challenge because blood pressure measurement can help identify people who need further assessment. The reported campaign figure, however, does not establish how many people were newly diagnosed, linked to treatment or able to achieve sustained blood pressure control. <Cite refs={["turn844658view0","turn844658search24"]}/>
For screening programmes to deliver lasting benefits, the process must extend beyond measurement. People with abnormal results need appropriate confirmation, counselling, referral and access to treatment. Without those links, screening may identify risks without ensuring that patients receive the care required to address them.
Diabetes and the need for long-term care
Diabetes is another major concern within the wider NCD burden.
The condition affects the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose. Depending on the type of diabetes, treatment may involve lifestyle changes, oral medicines, insulin or combinations of these approaches. Proper management can reduce the risk of complications, but people need accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment and regular monitoring.
Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels, particularly when blood glucose remains poorly controlled over time. Some people may have the condition without recognising its early signs, making access to appropriate testing important.
The WHO includes diabetes among the four principal groups of NCDs responsible for a substantial proportion of global NCD deaths. Its guidance also identifies screening and treatment as important elements of the response. <Cite refs={["turn844658search6"]}/>
For Nigeria, expanding diabetes care requires more than access to a test. Patients may need continuing clinical reviews, medicines, laboratory investigations, advice on nutrition and physical activity, and monitoring for complications.
The cost of maintaining treatment can be especially important for people who need medicines and supplies over many years. If patients cannot afford or access their treatment consistently, disease control may suffer.
Pate said the government had introduced Medipool, a group purchasing organisation intended to improve the availability and affordability of quality medicines at primary healthcare centres, with particular relevance to conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. <Cite refs={["turn844658view0"]}/>
The initiative’s intended benefits will depend on implementation, including the range of medicines available, procurement efficiency, distribution to facilities and whether patients can obtain the treatments prescribed to them.
Medicine availability must also be supported by trained healthcare workers who can assess patients, prescribe appropriately, explain treatment plans and monitor outcomes. The goal is not simply to stock medicines but to establish a dependable system in which patients can obtain appropriate care over time.
Stroke and cardiovascular disease require faster responses
Cardiovascular diseases and stroke can have life-changing consequences for patients and their families. Some cardiovascular conditions develop gradually, while heart attacks and strokes may occur as medical emergencies requiring rapid treatment.
Hypertension, diabetes and other risk factors can contribute to cardiovascular complications. Preventive healthcare can help identify some of these risks, but public awareness and timely emergency response remain important when serious symptoms occur. <Cite refs={["turn844658search6","turn844658search24"]}/>
A stroke may cause sudden weakness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, confusion, visual problems or loss of balance. Suspected stroke requires urgent medical assessment. Similarly, chest discomfort, breathlessness or other symptoms that may indicate a heart attack should not be ignored or managed solely with home remedies.
These symptoms can have different causes, so members of the public should seek emergency medical care rather than attempting to establish a diagnosis themselves.
The importance of prompt treatment highlights the need for functional referral systems, capable emergency services, diagnostic facilities and hospitals equipped to manage serious complications.
Pate said the federal government had completed 10 diagnostic centres in partnership with MedServe and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, with equipment including magnetic resonance imaging scanners, computed tomography scanners and catheterisation laboratories. He also said three specialist tertiary centres had been commissioned in Azare, Enugu and Benin. <Cite refs={["turn844658view0","turn844658view1"]}/>
Such infrastructure may support diagnosis and specialist treatment, but the practical benefit to patients depends on whether the facilities are operational, adequately staffed, accessible and affordable. Equipment alone does not guarantee timely care; it must be integrated into clinical services and supported by trained professionals and reliable maintenance.
For cardiovascular disease and stroke, the wider objective is to connect prevention with rapid diagnosis, effective treatment and rehabilitation where needed.
Cancer care and the importance of diagnosis
Cancer is another area in which early recognition and access to appropriate care can influence outcomes.
The term covers many different diseases, each with its own risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic pathways and treatment options. Some cancers have established screening approaches for particular groups, while others are investigated when symptoms or clinical findings raise concern.
The appropriate approach depends on the type of cancer and a person’s individual circumstances. Not every test is suitable for every person, and screening recommendations should be based on established medical guidance rather than unverified claims circulating online.
Pate identified cancer among the conditions requiring greater attention as Nigeria prepares for a changing disease burden. The government has also reported investment in specialist health facilities and diagnostic infrastructure, including centres developed in partnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and MedServe. <Cite refs={["turn844658view0","turn844658view1"]}/>
For patients, the pathway from recognising a problem to receiving treatment may involve several stages: an initial consultation, clinical assessment, diagnostic tests, specialist referral and, where necessary, surgery, medicines, radiotherapy or other treatment.
Delays at any stage can complicate access to care. Improving cancer services therefore requires coordination between primary healthcare providers, diagnostic facilities, specialist hospitals and the systems that finance treatment.
Patients also need clear information about where to seek care and what to expect. Community awareness initiatives can encourage people to consult qualified professionals about concerning symptoms, while healthcare workers need the resources and training to assess patients and refer them appropriately.
The available reports on the October 15 announcement do not provide a comprehensive national update on cancer incidence, treatment waiting times or the number of patients receiving specific therapies. Those indicators would be important for assessing the scale of the challenge and the effect of recent investments.
HERFON unveils a two-volume review
The renewed attention to chronic diseases coincided with the launch of A Review of Non-Communicable Diseases in Nigeria, a two-volume publication developed under HERFON’s health review series.
The foundation said the publication brought together more than 70 authors and contributors to examine common and emerging NCDs, their burden, prevention, management and control. The project received support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). <Cite refs={["turn844658search1","turn844658search4"]}/>
The launch was held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on October 15. HERFON said the event was intended to promote evidence-based discussion among policymakers, health professionals, researchers and other stakeholders. <Cite refs={["turn844658search1"]}/>
A review of this kind can help bring research and professional experience into a shared discussion about the country’s health priorities. By examining multiple diseases and aspects of prevention and management, such a publication can provide a basis for comparing challenges and identifying areas where further evidence or policy action is needed.
However, a publication does not by itself change patient outcomes. Its practical value depends on whether the evidence is used by decision-makers, incorporated into training, reflected in clinical practice and translated into accessible services.
Health research is most useful when it informs clear decisions. For example, evidence about gaps in diagnosis may support better screening strategies, while research on medicine access may help policymakers understand where procurement or distribution systems need improvement.
Similarly, research on risk factors can help public-health authorities design prevention campaigns suited to local circumstances rather than relying on broad messages that do not address the barriers people face.
The book’s contribution will therefore be measured not only by the number of authors or topics it covers but also by how effectively its findings are communicated and applied.
Free screening at the launch highlights prevention
HERFON also announced free health screening for participants at the Abuja event, with Limi Hospital expected to provide the service. The organisation said the screening was intended to promote awareness of early detection and the prevention and management of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. <Cite refs={["turn844658search1","turn844658search4"]}/>
The screening component reinforced the event’s focus on moving from discussion to practical health awareness.
Routine checks can help people identify possible health concerns that may otherwise go unnoticed. But screening results must be interpreted appropriately, and an abnormal result does not always amount to a confirmed diagnosis.
Depending on the test, a healthcare professional may recommend repeat measurements, laboratory investigations, further assessment or referral. Patients should receive clear explanations of what their results mean and what action, if any, is needed.
It is equally important that screening activities do not create a false sense of security. A normal result at one point in time cannot guarantee that a person will never develop a disease, and people should continue to seek medical advice when symptoms or other concerns arise.
For large-scale public-health programmes, the next step is to connect screening with accessible services. If people are encouraged to check their blood pressure or blood sugar but cannot obtain follow-up care, the programme’s ability to improve outcomes may be limited.
The reported event screening was for participants at the launch; it should not be interpreted as evidence that free screening is now available to the entire public at the venue or through a continuing nationwide programme. <Cite refs={["turn844658search1"]}/>
Government highlights wider health reforms
Pate placed the NCD warning within a broader account of federal health-sector reforms.
According to the minister’s remarks reported by Premium Times, the federal government had expanded primary healthcare, retrained nearly 80,000 frontline health workers over three years and doubled admission quotas for medical and nursing students. He also said the federal health budget allocation had risen to six per cent, from a previous range of approximately three to four per cent. <Cite refs={["turn844658view0"]}/>
The Ministry of Information separately reported a series of government health initiatives, including expanded health insurance enrolment, the strengthening of primary healthcare facilities and investments in local production of essential medical products. These figures are government-reported achievements and should be assessed alongside independent evidence about service availability, quality and patient outcomes. <Cite refs={["turn844658view1"]}/>
Primary healthcare is particularly important to the response to chronic disease because it can provide an accessible first point of contact for routine assessments, preventive advice, diagnosis, continuing prescriptions and referrals.
A person who needs regular blood pressure monitoring or diabetes care may benefit from a nearby facility that can provide consistent follow-up rather than requiring every visit to take place at a distant specialist hospital.
Yet the effectiveness of primary healthcare depends on more than the number of facilities. Services need trained staff, essential medicines, basic diagnostic equipment, reliable supplies and a referral system for cases requiring specialist care.
Workforce expansion also needs to be matched with appropriate distribution. Increasing the number of doctors, nurses and other professionals nationally does not automatically resolve shortages in every state or community.
The challenge is to ensure that reforms produce practical improvements where patients seek care, including in underserved and lower-income communities.
Funding and affordability remain central concerns
Chronic diseases can place a sustained financial burden on households because treatment may continue for many years. Costs may include consultations, medicines, diagnostic tests, transport, hospital admissions and time away from work.
The financial impact varies according to the condition, treatment requirements, available insurance coverage and the services accessible to the patient. But the long-term nature of many NCDs makes affordability an important consideration for health policy.
A patient who needs regular medication may face a different set of challenges from someone who requires surgery or specialised cancer treatment. In both cases, delays or interruptions in care can have consequences, although those consequences differ by condition.
Health insurance can help reduce direct out-of-pocket costs when the relevant services and medicines are covered and patients can access participating providers. Pate said the federal government had expanded health insurance coverage as part of its broader reforms, while the Ministry of Information reported enrolment growth under the current administration. <Cite refs={["turn844658view0","turn844658view1"]}/>
Coverage figures, however, do not alone show whether patients can afford every medicine or service they need. Effective protection depends on benefit packages, provider availability, reimbursement arrangements, quality of care and the extent to which patients still pay directly for treatment.
For NCD management, these details matter because regular care is often necessary even when a patient is not experiencing an emergency.
The policy objective is to reduce the risk that people abandon treatment, delay diagnosis or face severe financial hardship because they need continuing healthcare.
Prevention extends beyond the hospital
Preventing non-communicable diseases cannot be left entirely to doctors and hospitals.
The WHO identifies tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets and air pollution among the important risk factors for NCDs. The contribution of each factor differs by disease and individual circumstances, and not all NCDs can be prevented through lifestyle changes. <Cite refs={["turn844658search6"]}/>
Public-health policy can influence the environments in which people make decisions about food, exercise, tobacco and other exposures. Access to safe places for physical activity, clear food information, effective tobacco controls and public education may all form part of a wider prevention strategy.
Health education also needs to be practical and understandable. People are more likely to act on advice when they know what steps they can take, where services are available and how to obtain further information.
Messages about diet, for instance, should take account of affordability and the food options available to households. Encouraging physical activity should recognise the different environments in which people live and work. Prevention policies need to be grounded in local realities rather than assuming that every person has the same resources or opportunities.
Public awareness campaigns should also avoid blaming patients for their illnesses. Genetics, age, environmental exposures, access to healthcare and other factors can contribute to disease risk. A balanced approach encourages healthier choices while recognising that health outcomes are shaped by social and economic conditions as well as individual behaviour.
Pate’s reference to the National Health Promotion Policy and the Know Your Numbers campaign reflects the government’s stated intention to strengthen prevention and early identification. <Cite refs={["turn844658view0"]}/>
For such initiatives to deliver lasting benefits, awareness must be accompanied by affordable screening, reliable treatment and continuing support.
The role of communities and employers
Community organisations, schools, workplaces and local leaders can help extend health awareness beyond formal medical settings.
Employers may support routine health checks, provide information about available healthcare services and encourage workers to seek medical advice when needed. Community organisations can help communicate verified health information and direct people to qualified providers.
These activities should complement, rather than replace, professional healthcare. Screening results need appropriate interpretation, and people with suspected illness should be referred to qualified health workers.
Community participation can also help identify barriers that health authorities may not easily see from national data alone. Residents may be able to explain why a clinic is difficult to reach, why patients struggle to return for appointments or why a particular health message is not reaching its intended audience.
That information can help health planners tailor services to local needs.
For chronic diseases, follow-up is particularly important. Patients may need regular reviews, reminders, support with understanding their treatment plans and help navigating referral systems. Continuity can be more difficult when people move between locations, change providers or face financial pressure.
Well-designed community initiatives can help patients remain connected to services, provided they protect privacy, use accurate information and operate within clear professional boundaries.
Measuring whether the response is working
The growing focus on NCDs raises a question that goes beyond announcing programmes or launching publications: how will Nigeria measure progress?
Useful indicators could include the proportion of people with hypertension who know their status, the proportion receiving appropriate treatment, the share whose blood pressure is controlled, access to diabetes care and the timeliness of diagnosis for other conditions.
Health authorities could also monitor whether essential medicines are consistently available, how many patients remain in care and whether services are accessible across different income groups and geographic areas.
For cancer and cardiovascular diseases, indicators of diagnostic access, treatment availability and patient outcomes can help assess whether investment is translating into better care.
The WHO’s hypertension profile, for example, distinguishes between diagnosis, treatment and control rather than treating all three as interchangeable. Its estimates for Nigeria show why these stages need to be assessed separately. <Cite refs={["turn844658search24"]}/>
Similarly, the number of people screened is not the same as the number who receive a diagnosis, begin treatment or achieve sustained improvement.
A strong monitoring system would publish clear definitions, explain the period covered by the figures and identify the population being measured. It would also distinguish between government targets, programme outputs and independently measured health outcomes.
These distinctions are important for public accountability. They allow citizens and health professionals to understand what has been achieved, where gaps remain and which interventions require adjustment.
What patients should know
While health authorities and researchers debate policy, members of the public can take practical steps to protect their health.
Adults should consider routine health assessments appropriate to their age, medical history and individual risk factors. Blood pressure checks can help identify hypertension, while a healthcare professional can advise whether blood glucose tests or other investigations are appropriate.
People with an existing diagnosis should follow their agreed treatment plan and attend recommended reviews. They should seek professional advice before changing or stopping prescribed medicines, even if they feel well.
Anyone who experiences sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, facial drooping, severe chest discomfort or other symptoms suggesting a medical emergency should seek urgent medical care. Such symptoms can have different causes, and prompt assessment is safer than relying on self-diagnosis or unverified remedies.
Members of the public should also be cautious about claims that a supplement, herbal preparation or single dietary change can cure hypertension, diabetes or cancer. Treatment should be guided by qualified healthcare professionals and reliable medical evidence.
These steps cannot eliminate every risk, but they can support earlier identification and more appropriate care.
The challenge ahead
Pate’s warning at the HERFON publication launch highlights a significant transition in Nigeria’s health priorities. The country must continue to address infectious diseases, maternal and newborn health and other longstanding challenges while strengthening its capacity to prevent and manage chronic conditions. <Cite refs={["turn844658view0","turn844658view1"]}/>
The response will require sustained coordination across government, healthcare providers, researchers, communities and the private sector. It will also require attention to the practical factors that determine whether people can obtain care: affordability, distance, medicine supply, staffing, diagnostic capacity and continuity of treatment.
HERFON’s two-volume review provides a platform for discussing the evidence and policy choices involved. The government’s stated investments in primary healthcare, workforce training, screening campaigns and diagnostic facilities indicate areas in which it says it is working to strengthen the system. <Cite refs={["turn844658search1","turn844658view0"]}/>
But the ultimate test will be what patients experience: whether they can obtain an accurate diagnosis before a condition becomes severe, receive treatment they can afford, find medicines when they need them and maintain care over time.
Non-communicable diseases may develop gradually, but their consequences can be serious. Nigeria’s ability to respond will depend on moving beyond awareness to a connected system of prevention, early detection, treatment and follow-up.
The message from the Abuja meeting is therefore clear: chronic diseases must become a more visible part of national health planning, and prevention must be backed by accessible services and measurable results. The country’s progress will be judged not only by the policies it announces or the facilities it builds, but by whether more people can live healthier lives and avoid preventable complications.
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