“Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has highlighted the critical issue of excess salt and sodium intake among Nigerians, emphasizing the severe health consequences associated with it. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja during the 2024 Salt Awareness Week, themed ‘It’s Time to Shine the Spotlight on Salt,’ Prof. Pate, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms. Daju Kachollom, underscored the need for increased public awareness regarding the dangers of excessive salt consumption.
Pate expressed concern over the significant contribution of excess sodium consumption to cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension, which is a prevalent health issue in Nigeria. He revealed that up to 10% of cardiovascular disease deaths in the country can be attributed to the burden of excess sodium intake. Additionally, he cited varying estimates of the average daily intake of dietary sodium among Nigerian adults, which ranged from 2.3 to 10 grams per day, surpassing the World Health Organization’s recommended daily intake of 2 grams of sodium and 5 grams of salt.
Highlighting the importance of reducing sodium intake for controlling blood pressure and preventing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, Pate stressed that salt is often a hidden adversary in people’s diets. He emphasized the role of dietary choices and habits in contributing to the escalation of health risks associated with high salt intake, cautioning that Nigeria is not immune to the global epidemic of hypertension and heart diseases.
Pate referenced a WHO report indicating that approximately 17.9 million lives are lost annually due to the impact of salt intake on conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Moreover, he emphasized the potential for significant healthcare savings through the implementation of sodium reduction strategies, which could prevent costly medical treatments for diseases caused by high sodium intake.
Overall, Prof. Ali Pate’s remarks underscore the urgent need for Nigerians to be mindful of their salt consumption, advocating for greater public awareness and policy measures to address this pressing public health issue.”