A renowned medical scholar, Professor Ayodele Omotoso, has raised significant concern over the growing prevalence of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to take immediate action to address this escalating health crisis. The former Provost of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ilorin made this call during his 272nd inaugural lecture titled “Of the Heart, For the Heart, and From the Heart: Communicating the Non-Communicables Heartily.”
Professor Omotoso, who is also a former member of the University Governing Council, revealed alarming statistics, noting that NCDs are responsible for 27% of deaths in Nigeria. In 2021 alone, more than 43 million deaths occurred due to NCDs across the country. The lecture highlighted hypertension, which affected 34.1% of Nigerian adults in 2021, as one of the leading contributors to the surge in NCD-related deaths. Professor Omotoso linked this growing issue to Nigeria’s economic situation and the urbanized lifestyles adopted by many Nigerians, leading to sedentary behavior and poor dietary choices.
As a former president of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, Professor Omotoso stressed that NCDs are now surpassing infectious diseases, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional conditions in causing deaths in Nigeria. He attributed unhealthy diets, particularly the shift from traditional to Westernized eating habits, as a major risk factor for NCDs. Additionally, physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption were cited as significant contributors to the rising wave of these diseases.
To combat the growing threat of NCDs, Professor Omotoso emphasized the need for enhanced research and development. He called for greater investment in cutting-edge research to better understand the underlying mechanisms of NCDs and to develop innovative treatments and preventive measures. He also proposed collaboration between different academic departments, including Medicine, Public Health, and Social Sciences, to address NCDs from a holistic perspective.
In his lecture, Professor Omotoso advocated for the integration of NCD-related topics into academic curricula across various disciplines to ensure students are well-informed about the impact of these diseases. He also suggested that the University of Ilorin implement periodic public lectures and interactive sessions on NCDs to raise awareness within the community.
Professor Omotoso, who has trained nearly 5,000 medical doctors since 1983, also urged the government to institutionalize regular medical check-ups for university staff to detect NCDs early. Furthermore, he called for the prompt implementation of government policies to promote healthy lifestyles, including regulations on tobacco and alcohol use and initiatives to encourage physical activity and healthier eating habits.
To further tackle NCDs, Professor Omotoso highlighted the importance of developing neighborhood sports and recreational facilities, particularly in underserved areas, to foster physical activity. He also called for improved healthcare access across the country, ensuring that those in remote areas receive early diagnosis and treatment for NCDs.
The lecture also touched on the need for robust public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians about the risks and prevention strategies for NCDs. Professor Omotoso urged the government to allocate sufficient resources to NCD prevention and control programs, including funding for research, healthcare infrastructure, and community initiatives. He also recommended extending National Health Insurance programs to cover the treatment of NCDs and advocated for the establishment of tertiary healthcare facilities capable of handling complex NCD cases.
Additionally, Professor Omotoso encouraged private companies to invest in health promotion and workplace wellness programs, as well as partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to implement community-based interventions and support for individuals affected by NCDs.
In conclusion, Professor Omotoso called for increased international collaboration to share knowledge, resources, and best practices for NCD prevention and control, as well as the use of technology and innovation to develop new tools for monitoring, managing, and preventing NCDs across Nigeria.
The inaugural lecture, attended by traditional rulers, university officials, colleagues, students, and family members, was presided over by Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, who was represented by Professor Adegboyega Fawole, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (RTI).
