A renowned medical scholar and former Provost, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof. Ayodele Babatunde O. Omotoso, has drawn the attention of critical stakeholders to the increasing number of deaths caused by various Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria, saying that concerted efforts must be made to stem the tide.
Prof. Omotoso made the call last Thursday (January 16,2025) while delivering the 272nd Inaugural Lecture of the University, titled “Of the Heart, For the Heart, and From the Heart: Communicating the Non-communicables Heartily.”
The don, who is also a former member of the University Governing Council, said that 27% of deaths in Nigeria are caused by one Non-communicable Disease or the other, recalling that in 2021 alone no fewer than 43 million deaths, recorded across the country, were as a result of the effects Non-communicable Diseases.
Prof. Omotoso noted that 34.1% of adult Nigerians had hypertension in 2021, attributing the dangerous trend to the economic situation of the country and urbanised lifestyles of affected Nigerians.
The Inaugural Lecturer, who previously served as the President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, explained that Non-communicable Diseases are causing more deaths than infectious diseases, maternal, neonatal and nutritional conditions combined.
He added that unhealthy diet as a result of transition from traditional diets to Westernised ones that are high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats are contributory factors that lead to Non-communicable Diseases.
Prof. Omotoso, who is equally the Oluomo 1 of Ijurin-Ekiti in Ekiti State, further said that physical inactivity, tobacco smoking and unbridled alcohol consumption are also responsible for the rising wave of Non-communicable Diseases.
To stem the tide, Prof. Omotoso called for enhanced research and development, saying that investment in cutting-edge research to understand the underlying mechanisms of NCDs and develop innovative treatments and preventive measures would assist greatly.
He also suggested collaboration between different Departments, such as Medicine, Public Health, and Social Sciences, to address NCDs from multiple perspectives.
The don, who is also a former Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, also canvassed for the development of programmes that engage the local community in health education and promotion that would focus on the prevention and management of NCDs.
He also said that the integration of NCD-related topics into the curriculum across various disciplines would ensure that students are well-informed about these diseases and their impact.
Prof. Omotoso also implored the University authorities to ensure that Colleges of Health Sciences authorities resuscitate the periodic university-wide public lecture/interactive session on NCDs and other health related matters.
The former Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) advised the University to institutionalise compulsory medical check-up for all members of staff for early detection and treatment of persons with NCDs.
He also called for prompt implementation of the new government policies on various aspects of NCDs that promote healthy lifestyles, such as regulations on tobacco and alcohol use, and initiatives to encourage physical activity and healthy eating. In this regard, neighbourhood sports/recreational facilities are important, he said.
The renowned health educator equally called for improved access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas, to ensure early detection and treatment of NCDs.
Prof. Omotoso also appealed for vigorous and relentless nationwide and multidimensional campaigns to raise awareness about the risk factors and prevention strategies for NCDs.
He equally tasked the government to allocate sufficient funds and resources to support NCDs prevention and control programmes, including research, healthcare infrastructures, and community initiatives.
The Inaugural Lecturer added that extending National Health Insurance programmes to cover NCDs treatment would be a good step, adding that government should fund and support at least one tertiary health facility that can take care of complicated NCDs.
Prof. Omotoso also noted that stakeholders should encourage private companies to invest in health promotion activities and create workplace wellness programmes that address NCDs risk factors.
He equally canvassed for partnership with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with a view to implementing community-based interventions and support groups for individuals affected by NCDs.
Prof. Omotoso also called for closer collaborations between Nigeria and international organisations to share knowledge, resources, and best practices for NCDs prevention and control.
He also suggested leveraging technology and innovation to develop new tools and platforms for monitoring, managing, and preventing NCDs across the country.
Prof. Omotoso, who recalled that he has participated in the training of almost 5000 medical doctors since 1983, advised the government to prioritise medical education by making more resources available in order to generate an adequate and competent number of medical doctors that would work for the health of the nation’s growing population and human community.
The Inaugural Lecture, which was presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (RTI), Prof. Adegboyega Fawole, was attended by some traditional rulers, former and serving Vice Chancellors, friends, colleagues, students and relations of Prof. Omotoso from far and near.
