Korede Abdullah
The Federal Government has disclosed not less than 10 percent of cardiovascular disease deaths is attributed to the burden of excess sodium consumption in Nigeria.
It also said there are varying estimates of the average daily intake of dietary sodium among Nigerian adults, ranging from 2.3 to 10 grams per day, while the intake of dietary salt ranges from 5.8 to 25 grams per day and this is significantly higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended maximum daily intake of 2 grams of sodium and 5 grams of salt.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, at a Ministerial Press Briefing on the Commemoration of the 2024 Salt Awareness Week in Abuja, therefore, recommended that reducing sodium intake is crucial for controlling blood pressure, which can prevent hypertension and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Pate who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Kachollom Daju, also said, the theme of the commemoration, “It’s Time to Shine the Spotlight on Salt l” resonates deeply, as the government recognizes the need to bring attention to the impact of excessive salt consumption on Nigerians wellbeing.
The Minister added that it is a hidden adversary in the people’s diets, one that silently contributes to the burden of cardiovascular diseases that afflict many of the loved ones.
“Nigeria, is not immune to the global epidemic of hypertension and heart diseases. The choices we make at our dining tables, the ingredients we stir into our pots, and the snacks we consume at a moments of leisure, all contribute to the silent escalation of health risks associated with high salt intake.”
While quoting the WHO data, the Minister disclosed that about 17.9 million lives are claimed as salt has a far-reaching impact as the high salt intake contributes significantly to elevated blood pressure, a precursor to heart attacks and strokes.
He, however, said, implementing sodium reduction strategies can lead to significant healthcare savings by preventing costly medical treatments for diseases caused by high sodium intake adding that lifestyle choices such as the consumption of certain culinary delights often come with a hidden cost and salt, when overused, takes its toll.
While explaining efforts to tackle the menace of excessive salt intake for a healthier Nigeria the Minister disclosed that the federal government has embarked on several significant bold initiatives that are worth highlighting as he added that these efforts are not just plans on paper and they are commitments etched in the very fabric of the national health policy.
“National Multi-sectoral Action Plan (NMSAP) for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases 2019. This plan, aligned with the World Health Organization’s SHAKE package, is a testament to our dedication to combating the silent epidemic of non-communicable diseases through strategic policy intervention.”
“Revision of the National Policy on Food Safety & Quality and its Implementation Plan for 2023. This revision includes a crucial emphasis on healthy diets and underscores the importance of developing a National Guideline for Sodium Reduction.
“Inauguration of the National Technical Working Group on Sodium Reduction. Together, they are developing the first National Guideline on Sodium Reduction.
“This groundbreaking work is expected to reach completion in the 3rd Quarter of 2024. We have initiated the development of the Ist National Sodium Benchmark. This involves drafting mandatory sodium targets for selected food categories, a step that will pave the way for scientific and measurable progress in our fight against excessive salt consumption.” He added.
In the same vein, the World Health Organization’s Country Representative, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo explained that, excessive salt Consumption is linked to non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, gastric cancer and kidney disease.
Mulombo who was represented by the WHO’s National Progressional Officer on Nutrition, Dr Pindar Wakawa, also lamented that the global average intake of sodium is more than double the WHO recommendation, as he highlighted the urgency of the public health message.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming less than 5 grams of salt per day for adults daily from all sources, which is less than a teaspoonful.:
“That excessive consumption of salt/sodium adversely affects blood pressure is irrefutable. World Salt Awareness Week aims to encourage the implementation of evidence-based interventions to reduce salt consumption in the population to protect cardiovascular health and help prevent many other diseases.” He said.
Meanwhile, the Technical Lead of the Network for Health Equity and Development(NHED), Jerome Mafeni, reiterated that, it is time people throw away these shakers from their tables and change their taste for salt
Mafeni further explained that the taste for salt is an acquired taste, and like all acquired taste, this can be made to change.
“If we can begin to put in place the systems, policies, and interventions, that would make our people realised that that the salt they enjoy its taste in their food is what is actually killing them and we can get them to begin to change their taste for salt.”
He added that “a lot of money in the Ministry is made to fend trying to treat the effect of consuming too much salt, will be money well saved and the money that can be redirected to improve the lives of our people.”
