Overview

The document is the National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan (NMSAP) for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria for the period 2019-2025, published by the Federal Ministry of Health. It outlines a comprehensive strategy to address the growing burden of NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and sickle cell disease, as well as mental health and substance abuse disorders. The plan acknowledges that NCDs account for 29% of all deaths in Nigeria, with 36% of these being premature deaths under age 70. Key risk factors include tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and environmental factors. The NMSAP is built on five strategic objectives: (1) strengthen governance and stewardship; (2) promote healthy lifestyles and reduce modifiable risk factors; (3) strengthen health systems for NCD prevention and control; (4) monitor trends and determinants; and (5) promote research and development. Specific national targets include a 25% relative reduction in premature mortality from NCDs, a 10% reduction in physical inactivity, a 30% reduction in mean population salt intake, a 20% reduction in tobacco use, a 10% reduction in harmful alcohol use, and 80% coverage of essential NCD medicines and technologies in primary health care. The plan emphasizes a multi-sectoral approach involving government agencies, civil society, private sector, and international partners. Implementation details include priority interventions for each objective, with responsible institutions, timelines, and indicators. A situation analysis presents data from global and national surveys (e.g., STEPS, WHO Global Health Estimates) and identifies constraints such as weak health systems, low awareness, and limited data. The SWOT analysis highlights strengths like political will and existing policies, and threats such as competing health priorities and industry interference. The plan aligns with global frameworks like the WHO Global NCD Action Plan 2013-2020 and national health and development plans. Effective coordination is managed through a National NCD Multi-Sectoral Committee.

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