By Reportcircle-Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a rallying call to world leaders at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, warning that the unchecked rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health crises could cripple economies, destabilize nations, and rob younger generations of their productive years.
Speaking through the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Tinubu urged governments to “scale up investments and forge stronger partnerships” to combat the dual threats, stressing that they now account for nearly 29% of all deaths in Nigeria.
“NCDs are no longer just a health issue, they are an economic and social emergency,” he warned, highlighting the growing prevalence among young people.
Tinubu outlined Nigeria’s multi-pronged response:
A National NCD Policy and multisectoral action plan
Expanded health insurance to cover catastrophic illnesses
Six cancer centres of excellence
14 million adolescent girls immunized against HPV, covering 96% of the target group
New laws to tackle risk factors and improved training for health professionals
On mental health, Tinubu spotlighted the 2023 Mental Health Act, a suicide prevention strategy, and the integration of services into primary care, steps aimed at ending stigma, protecting rights, and expanding access.
Despite progress, Tinubu admitted Nigeria still faces funding gaps, weak infrastructure, and poor data systems, urging international donors, lawmakers, and global health bodies to close critical access gaps in medicines, technology, and health systems.
He also called for greater global focus on sickle cell disease, a condition disproportionately burdening Africa.
Tinubu concluded with a bold pledge: “Nigeria is committed to prevention, stronger health systems, and prioritizing mental health.
With renewed global solidarity, we can cut premature deaths from NCDs by 2030 and safeguard the well-being of our people.”
