By Joy Odor
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country and across Africa.
This commitment was emphasized during the 2nd International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa (ICPPA 2025) held in Abuja from July 8 to 10, 2025.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized the urgency of addressing NCDs, stressing that it’s not just a health issue but also a matter of human security, economic progress, and sustainable development.
According to him, NCDs account for 24-30% of deaths in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting people in their most productive years.
Dr. Salako informed that the government is implementing the PEN-Plus strategy, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), to improve access to life-saving care for severe NCDs like Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Sickle Cell Disease, and Rheumatic Heart Disease.
The Minister affirmed that Nigeria has developed a National Policy and Strategic Plan of Action for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, task-shifting policies, and the Nigeria Essential Package of NCDs (N-PEN) at the primary healthcare level.
Dr. Salako appealed for collective action to save current and future generations from the devastating effects of severe NCDs in Africa.
Dr. Alex Gasasira, Acting WHO Representative in Nigeria, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s healthcare system through technical expertise and strategic partnerships to strengthen service delivery and reduce NCD-related mortality.
He commended the Federal Government’s leadership and collaboration in hosting the conference, adding that WHO is committed to supporting PEN-Plus implementation.
“We appreciate the excellent coordination by the Federal Ministry of Health and the opportunity to deepen partnerships that can accelerate access to care for those most affected by severe NCDs,” he stated.
Dr. Gasasira also introduced a video message from the new WHO Regional Director for Africa, Prof. Mohamed Yacoub Janabi, who took office a week before the conference.
In his virtual address, Prof. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, praised Nigeria for its bold leadership in the fight against NCDs, referencing the 2019 launch of the national multisectoral action plan and subsequent implementation of key strategies to strengthen health systems.
“Across Africa, the burden of severe NCDs is rising. Without treatment, these conditions are lifelong and often deadly,” he warned.
