Health professionals from Nigeria and abroad have urged the Federal Government to establish a coordinated national strategy to combat the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, NCDs, warning that the country risks a major health crisis if the trend continues unchecked.
The call was made at the opening of the 7th Annual International Conference of the Nigerian Association of Foreign Trained Pharmacists (NAFTRAPH), held in Lagos. The three-day event, themed “Non-Communicable Diseases in a Post-Pandemic World: Nigeria’s Perspective and How to Mitigate Disease Ramifications,” brought together foreign-trained pharmacists, medical experts, and academics to assess Nigeria’s readiness to tackle chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Nelson Aluya, Chief Executive Officer of Eralmed Medical Group and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, described diabetes as “the pandemic before the pandemic,” noting that NCDs have become one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“Non-communicable diseases are silently killing our people. The government must act fast. We need collaboration between the public and private sectors, the diaspora, and research institutions to strengthen healthcare capacity,” he said.
Aluya stressed the importance of reliable data for national health planning, warning that lack of accurate records hinders funding and solutions. He called on the government to invest in digital health technology by introducing a national electronic medical records (EMR) system to enhance hospital communication and reduce medical errors.
“If a doctor in Zamfara prescribes a drug, a doctor in Lagos should be able to see it. That’s how to build a transparent and efficient health system,” he added.
In his remarks, NAFTRAPH President, Dr. John Ejezie, said the conference was designed to foster collaboration among healthcare professionals at home and in the diaspora. He emphasised that combating chronic diseases requires collective effort from pharmacists, doctors, nurses, and public health experts.
“Pharmacists are accessible, trusted, and close to the people,” he said. “They can detect early symptoms, provide counselling, and refer severe cases for treatment. That’s how we save lives.”
Ejezie reaffirmed NAFTRAPH’s commitment to improving public health outcomes through training, research, and partnerships. He also paid tribute to late members of the association, including Pharm. Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi and Dr. Terrance Baker, describing them as “selfless pillars whose legacies continue to inspire the younger generation.”
Also speaking, Dr. Violet Bumah, a Faculty Member at Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas, advised Nigerians to return to traditional diets and avoid processed foods, which she linked to the surge in chronic diseases.
“Our ancestors lived longer because they ate organic food, stayed active, and maintained balanced lifestyles,” she said. “We should be civilised, not westernised. It’s okay to adopt technology, but not unhealthy eating habits.”
Bumah urged young Nigerians to collaborate and innovate in solving health challenges. “Team up, network, and don’t be afraid to approach people in authority if you have good ideas,” she said.
The conference featured panel discussions, paper presentations, and interactive sessions on healthcare financing, data collection, and community-based interventions. Participants also explored the role of the diaspora in strengthening Nigeria’s health system through research, capacity building, and technology transfer.
