The federal government has enjoined Nigerians to avoid excessive consumption of salt in order to protect themselves against diseases and deaths.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate gave the advice Tuesday in Abuja during the commemoration of the World Salt Awareness week, organized by the ministry in collaboration with the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED).
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Kachollom Daju, he saidsalt has a far-reaching impact as high salt intake contributes significantly to elevated blood pressure, a precursor to heart attacks and strokes.
He said the burden of excess sodium consumption in Nigeria is significant, with 10% of cardiovascular disease deaths attributed to it. The minister said reducing salt intake is crucial for controlling blood pressure, which can prevent hypertension and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
He said, “Implementing sodium reduction strategies can lead to significant healthcare savings by preventing costly medical treatments for diseases caused by high sodium intake. Our lifestyle choices – such as the consumption of certain culinary delights often come with a hidden cost. Salt, when overused, exacts its toll.”
He said the ministry inaugurated the National Technical Working Group on Sodium Reduction, and that the group is developing the first National Guideline on Sodium Reduction, expected to reach completion in the 3rd Quarter of 2024.
NHED Technical Lead, Jerome Mafeni, said the taste for salt is an acquired taste, and like all acquired taste can be made to change. He said there was need to put in place systems, policies, and interventions, that could make people realise that the salt, which they enjoy in their food was actually killing them.
The Director General of the National Agency for Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said salt is primarily composed of sodium chloride, a critical ingredient in human diets, adding that however, excessive intake of sodium is linked to various health problems.
She said in Nigeria, hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and high salt consumption is a significant contributing factor. While urging everyone to make conscious efforts to reduce salt intake, she said simple steps, such as choosing low sodium product options and reading food labels carefully, could make a substantial difference.
