The Federal Government has launched the National Multi- Sectoral Action Plan for Non- Communicable Diseases (NMSAP) for 2019-2025 and the ‘’Resolve to Save Lives Project’’. The NMSAP policies would guide efforts towards addressing growing threat of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease, among other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Launch in Abuja, recently, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Service Office, Dr. Amina Shamaki noted that NCDs presently rank as the highest cause of death Globally, especially in Low Medium Income Countries (LMICs), including Nigeria.
Mr. Mustapha further said that such diseases were major health and developmental challenges facing the nation and negatively impacting on national productivity and the economy.
The SGF emphasized the FG’s resolve to build “valuable alliances with stakeholders to address NCDs and engage in activities that would deliver value to government, health professionals and patients”
He explained that a framework would guide stakeholders on how to form strategic partnership for achieving priority actions on the NMSAP and strengthen the health system for seamless NCDs care and treatment service.
He pointed out that the framework would provide clarity on the role and responsibilities of the various stakeholders, as well as potential benefits the partnership could generate.
He further said that the partnership would outline channels that would be used for engagement and communication between different partners.
Mr. Mustapha also rolled out the ‘’Resolve to Save Lives Project’’, which he said would commence in two states of the Federation namely: Kano and Ogun States.
In his opening remarks, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Abdulaziz Mashi Abdullahi said that Non- Communicable Diseases affect both the poor and the rich due to changes in lifestyle patterns and socioeconomic conditions.
He added that worsening security situations Globally and Nationally also predispose many to mental health problems, noting that prevention, early detection and effective treatment of NCDs would enable Nigerians to have healthier lives.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Dr. Isa Dutse, represented by the Director, Economic Research and Policy Management, Dr. Israel Igwe said that the Ministry would look into economic implications of NCDs in the Nation.
Also speaking, the World Health Organisation, Officer in Charge, Nigeria, Dr. Clement Peters, advocated that the plan be developed in a participatory manner, involving both Government and Non- Government actors alike and responsibilities be assigned in all stages of implementation.
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