The World Health Organization (WHO) has lauded Nigeria alongside five other countries—China, Egypt, Russia, Brazil, and Denmark—for making notable progress in reducing mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The global health body described Nigeria’s achievement as an encouraging sign of resilience in tackling health challenges that account for the majority of global deaths.
In its latest report, “Saving lives, spending less”, released on Thursday, WHO highlighted that Nigeria and other recognized countries recorded significant declines in deaths linked to cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
These gains were particularly visible in reducing deaths from stomach and colorectal cancers in both sexes, cervical and breast cancers among women, and lung and prostate cancers among men.
The WHO report further noted that while 82 percent of countries made progress in lowering premature deaths between 2010 and 2019, the overall global pace of improvement has slowed.
Alarmingly, some nations are now experiencing a resurgence in NCD-related deaths, especially from pancreatic and liver cancers and neurological conditions.
WHO emphasized that with just an additional investment of $3 per person annually in NCD prevention and treatment, the world could save 12 million lives and generate $1 trillion in economic benefits by 2030.
The report urged governments to commit more resources to cost-effective solutions such as tobacco and alcohol taxation, cancer screenings, and hypertension management.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus stressed that tackling NCDs and mental health conditions is not only a health imperative but also an economic necessity.
“Non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions are silent killers, robbing us of lives and innovation.
Countries like Denmark, South Korea, and Moldova are leading the way, while others are stalling.
Investing in the fight against NCDs isn’t just smart economics—it’s an urgent necessity for thriving societies,” he stated.
For Nigeria, WHO’s recognition comes at a time when the country has been grappling with multiple health challenges, including communicable diseases and a rising burden of chronic illnesses.
Health analysts note that Nigeria’s improvements are tied to expanded awareness campaigns, vaccination programs, better access to screening, and policies encouraging lifestyle changes.
According to experts, initiatives led by the Federal Ministry of Health and development partners have strengthened preventive care and improved hospital responses to chronic diseases.
The recognition by WHO positions Nigeria as a model for other African nations working to reduce the toll of NCDs.
Globally, NCDs remain the leading cause of death, while more than one billion people live with mental health conditions.
Nearly 75 percent of NCD-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, translating to 32 million lives lost annually.
In Nigeria, conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases are among the top killers.
The prevalence of anxiety and depression has also risen, exacerbated by economic pressures, insecurity, and limited access to mental health services.
WHO officials warned that unless urgent and sustained actions are taken, millions more lives will be lost prematurely.
The UN health body cautioned that progress is being undermined by the influence of industries that profit from unhealthy products.
According to Dr. Etienne Krug, WHO’s Director of Health Determinants, Promotion, and Prevention, industries dealing in tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods often lobby against health-friendly policies.
“It is unacceptable that commercial interests are profiting from increasing deaths and disease. Governments must put people before profits and ensure evidence-based policy is not derailed by corporate pressure,” Krug said.
He called on countries to scale up the implementation of WHO’s “Best Buys”—a set of proven interventions that include raising health taxes on harmful products, restricting marketing to children, and expanding cancer screening programs.
WHO’s commendation also comes ahead of the Fourth UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting (HLM4) on NCDs and mental health, scheduled for September 25 in New York.
World leaders are expected to adopt a bold Political Declaration to accelerate progress on reducing premature deaths and promoting well-being.
Dr. Devora Kestel, Director of WHO’s Department for NCDs and Mental Health, underscored the urgency of decisive action.
“We know what works. The time to act is now. Governments that act decisively will protect and save lives, cut costs, and unlock growth. Those that delay will pay in lost lives and weaker economies,” she warned.
The acknowledgment of Nigeria by WHO as one of the countries reducing NCD mortality is a milestone that underscores the importance of sustained health investment and policy reforms.
With millions of Nigerians still at risk, experts insist that the country must scale up its commitment to preventive measures, strengthen mental health services, and prioritize evidence-based strategies.
For the global health community, Nigeria’s recognition is both a success story and a call to action: progress is possible, but the momentum must be sustained.
