By Abdullahi Maku
The Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS) has called for stronger community-based action, early prevention and wider access to cardiovascular care to reduce the growing burden of heart diseases in Nigeria.
The society made the call at the 2026 World Heart Day celebration, organised in collaboration with the World Heart Federation on Monday in Abuja.
The event, themed “Don’t Miss a Beat,” brought together health professionals, students, journalists and other stakeholders to discuss practical ways of preventing cardiovascular diseases and improving access.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Jegat Jnarula, Global President of the World Heart Federation, commended the NCS for promoting cardiovascular health awareness and education across Nigeria.
Jnarula urged the Nigerian government and health authorities to increase funding and support for cardiovascular health institutions, particularly those conducting medical outreach to underserved rural communities.
He said stronger collaboration among governments, health institutions and communities was needed to ensure people living in financially disadvantaged and isolated areas were not left behind.
Similarly, Prof. Rasaaq Adebayo, President of the Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS), emphasised the importance of primary prevention, early intervention and appropriate treatment in reducing cardiovascular health risks.
Adebayo urged parents to pay closer attention to their children’s diets and physical activities, noting that healthy habits established early could help protect children from cardiovascular problems later.
He also called for stronger investment in primary healthcare to reduce unnecessary pressure on tertiary hospitals and enable specialised facilities to focus on managing complex cases.
During a panel discussion, participants identified prolonged sitting, unhealthy diets, illicit drug use and inadequate access to healthcare in rural communities as issues requiring greater public attention.
Dr Malau Toma of the Federal Ministry of Health and other panellists also discussed alcohol-control measures, including restrictions aimed at protecting young people from harmful alcohol consumption.
The celebration placed particular emphasis on young people, with four secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory participating in a debate competition and art activities during the event.
The participating schools were Government Science Secondary School, Maitama; Olumawu School, Wuse 2; Glisten International Academy, Jahi; and Government Science Technical College, Garki, Abuja.
The students debated issues including the influence of social media on cardiovascular health and the roles of nature and nurture in determining health outcomes.
Participants also urged journalists, media organisations, private institutions and social media platforms to ensure responsible dissemination of accurate and verified cardiovascular health information to the public.
They emphasised that accurate and verified health information was essential to preventing misinformation and improving public understanding of heart disease, its risk factors and preventive measures.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration ended with youth drama performances, reinforcing calls for individuals, families, communities and institutions to make cardiovascular health a shared responsibility across Nigeria.(NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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