As the world celebrates World Health Day 2025 under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) is urging the Nigerian government to prioritize healthcare funding and implement healthy food policies in Nigeria on World Health Day.
Nigeria faces significant health challenges, including high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), malnutrition, infectious diseases, and maternal mortality. CAPPA highlights the alarming rise of NCDs, with over 120,000 new cancer cases reported annually, costing Nigerians N12 billion in treatment costs.
To address these issues, CAPPA is advocating for a substantial increase in healthcare funding, aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of 13% of the national budget and the African Union’s Abuja Declaration target of 15%.
The organization emphasizes the need for stricter regulations on ultra-processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, and salt consumption. CAPPA advocates for increased funding for the Tobacco Control Fund to combat the rising burden of NCDs linked to tobacco use.
The Nigerian government’s recent launch of the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction is a positive step towards addressing excessive salt consumption. CAPPA commends this initiative and urges the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to expedite regulations enforcing sodium targets in processed foods.
CAPPA’s call to action serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need for healthcare reforms in Nigeria. By prioritizing healthcare funding and implementing healthy food policies, the country can significantly improve the health and well-being of its citizens. As CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, states, “Implementing healthy food policies gives our people hope for a better future.”
