National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (2019 – 2025).

This Multi-Sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is a comprehensive, nationwide strategy designed to significantly reduce the burden of NCDs in Nigeria, aligning with global prevention and control targets. The plan envisions a healthier Nigerian population and improved quality of life, contributing to socio-economic development. It provides a framework for reducing NCD-related morbidity and mortality through the implementation of cost-effective policies and social interventions aimed at influencing behaviors and lifestyle changes to address modifiable risk factors. The plan focuses on major NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, sickle cell disease, mental, neurological, and substance use disorders, as well as road traffic injuries.
The specific objectives of the Plan are (i) strengthen governance and stewardship for NCD prevention and control; (ii) promote healthy lifestyle and implement interventions to reduce modifiable risk factors for NCDs; (iii) strengthen and orient health systems to address prevention and control of NCDs at all levels of care and contribute to the attainment of universal health coverage; (iv) monitor trends and determinants of NCDs and evaluate progress in their prevention and control; (v) promote and support national capacity for quality research and development for the prevention and control of NCDs.
The Plan sets out comprehensive guidelines for promoting healthy nutrition, including: (i) enhancing food safety and nutrition through improved agricultural practices and ensuring quality control and standardization for healthier food options; (ii) implementing nutrition education and counseling, alongside mass media campaigns and behavior change initiatives, to encourage healthy diets by reducing intake of total fat, saturated fats, sugars, and salt, while promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables; (iii) advocating for, protecting, and supporting exclusive breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and throughout the first six months of life; (iv) decreasing salt intake by reformulating processed foods to contain less salt, setting target levels for salt content in processed foods, and adopting front-of-pack labeling standards; (v) reducing sugar consumption through effective taxation on sugar-sweetened products; (vi) limiting portion and package sizes to lower energy intake and reduce the risk of overweight and obesity; (vii) encouraging physical activity; and (viii) developing and enforcing regulations on food quality, safety, and standards.