Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the importance of reducing salt and sodium intake to prevent hypertension and other heart diseases during a news conference in Abuja.
The event was held to mark the 2024 Salt Awareness Week with the theme “It’s Time to Shine the Spotlight on Salt,” where the Federal Government pledged to raise awareness about the risks associated with excessive salt consumption.
Pate, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms Daju Kachollom, highlighted that a significant percentage of cardiovascular disease deaths in Nigeria are linked to the high levels of sodium intake.
He pointed out that the average daily intake of dietary sodium among Nigerian adults varies from 2.3 to 10 grams, while the consumption of dietary salt ranges from 5.8 to 25 grams per day, far exceeding the WHO’s recommended daily limits.
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The minister stressed the importance of reducing sodium intake to control blood pressure, which plays a crucial role in preventing hypertension and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Pate warned that salt is often a hidden danger in people’s diets, contributing to the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in the country.
He mentioned that Nigeria is not immune to the global rise in hypertension and heart diseases, emphasizing the impact of dietary choices on health risks associated with excessive salt consumption.
Referring to a WHO report, Pate highlighted the significant number of lives lost due to salt intake-related complications such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.
He also mentioned that implementing strategies to reduce sodium intake could result in substantial healthcare savings and help prevent costly medical treatments for related conditions.
