By Justina Auta
Experts and some patient support organisations have called for increased funding for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), warning that the growing burden of chronic illnesses is placing severe financial strain on Nigerians.
They made the call at the National Hypertension/NCDs media and patients advocacy orientation organised by National NCD Patients Advocacy Group, supported by Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL) on Friday in Abuja.
A hematologist, Dr Chi-Kadibia Ukoma, Founder, Leukemia Care Plus Initiative and Vice President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, said NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer and sickle cell disease were rapidly overtaking infectious diseases and affecting nearly every household.
“The burden is enormous. Almost all of us are affected in one way or another. If you do not have hypertension, you might have diabetes, cancer or another chronic disease, and the cost of managing these conditions is extremely high,” he said.
He noted that treatment expenses often result in catastrophic health spending, adding that many patients struggle to sustain long-term care regardless of their income level.
The hematologist also described the patient voice in NCD advocacy as inadequate, stressing that funding available for prevention and treatment remained only a fraction of what was required.
“Government needs to put more effort and funding to cater for this because it affects the entirety of Nigeria. Almost all of us are affected in one way or another,” he said.
Ukoma, therefore, urged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles, including balanced diets, reduced consumption of highly processed foods and regular physical exercise, noting that sedentary living was contributing to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases.
He also encouraged regular medical screening and early treatment, emphasising that cancer was not a death sentence when detected early and properly managed.
Mr Tulari Tine, representing Hypertension Society of Nigeria, said increased funding for NCDs will improve access to healthcare and medication, awareness campaign to educate Nigerians about it’s risk and management.
Tine added that these would help to reduce the burden of hypertension and other NCDs, as well as improve health outcomes.
Also, Mrs Akomah-Charles Ugonna, Executive Director, Benedicx Better Life Initiative, an NGO that takes care of vulnerable women, girls and youths, noted the increasing number of persons with NCDs, especially the aged.
Ugonna, a registered nurse at a Primary Health Care (PHC) centre, noted the lack of NCDs data, which she said had affected government and other stakeholders in making informed decisions to address the diseases.
“While significant interventions and support have been provided for HIV, NCDs must also be given equal priority.
“Government should strengthen support for PHCs. Although we currently conduct free blood pressure checks, screening for blood sugar, diabetes and cancer is often not available because essential materials, such as testing strips, are lacking.
“The basic services required to properly assess patients before referring them to secondary or tertiary healthcare facilities are not adequately provided.
“We therefore call on government at all levels to collaborate with civil society organisations to reduce the growing burden of non-communicable diseases,” she said.
Other activities include technical sessions on “Who and What About: NCD Policy and Stakeholder Landscape in Nigeria by Dr Alayo Sopekan, Director, NCDs, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Also, Mr Marcel Sati, representing Budget Office of the Federation made a presentation on Public Financial Management: Budget Cycle, Advocacy and Tracking Techniques. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Akpan
