Professor Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has issued a warning to Nigerians about the dangers of excessive salt and sodium consumption, highlighting its potential to cause hypertension and other heart diseases.
This announcement was made at a news conference in Abuja to mark the 2024 Salt Awareness Week, themed “It’s Time to Shine the Spotlight on Salt.”
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms. Daju Kachollom, Pate emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to raising public awareness about the health risks associated with high salt intake.
He noted that excessive sodium consumption is responsible for at least 10 percent of cardiovascular disease deaths in Nigeria.
Pate revealed that the average daily intake of dietary sodium among Nigerian adults ranges from 2.3 to 10 grams, while salt intake ranges from 5.8 to 25 grammes per day. These figures significantly exceed the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendations of 2 grammes of sodium and 5 grams of salt per day.
“Reducing sodium intake is crucial for controlling blood pressure, which in turn helps prevent hypertension and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases,” Pate stated.
He described salt as a “hidden adversary” in people’s diets that significantly contributes to the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is not immune to the global epidemic of hypertension and heart diseases,” Pate said. “The choices we make at our dining tables, the ingredients we stir into our pots, and the snacks we consume all contribute to the silent escalation of health risks associated with high salt intake.”
Citing a WHO report, Pate noted that approximately 17.9 million lives are lost globally each year due to conditions related to high salt intake, such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. He stressed that implementing sodium reduction strategies could lead to significant healthcare savings and prevent costly medical treatments for diseases caused by high sodium consumption.
The Federal Government’s increased efforts to promote awareness about the dangers of excessive salt intake aim to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases and improve the overall health of Nigerians.
