Abuja: Dr Oladipupo Fasan, Head of Cardiology at the National Hospital, Abuja, has called for the strengthening of Primary Health Care (PHC) systems to effectively address cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Fasan made this call during an interview on World Heart Day, themed 'Don't Miss a Beat.' He emphasized the importance of enhancing the capacity of PHCs to tackle heart-related conditions, which require different approaches compared to more common diseases like malaria, typhoid, or tuberculosis. Fasan highlighted the necessity for health workers to receive adequate training to identify and manage early-stage cardiovascular issues and know when to refer complicated cases for further treatment.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, with 19.8 million deaths in 2022, accounting for 32 percent of all deaths worldwide. A significant portion of these deaths, over 85 percent, were attributed to heart attacks and strokes, with more than 75 percent occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
Fasan pointed out the paradox of Nigeria producing a large number of doctors, many of whom are either unemployed or leaving the country. He urged the government to hire more health workers and invest in strengthening PHC systems. He noted the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare's efforts to integrate the early detection and treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases into PHC services through task-shifting and task-sharing, in accordance with WHO protocols.
Fasan also stressed the need for implementing health policies and robust systems to combat CVDs. He called for regulations on food manufacturers to reduce harmful ingredients like salt, sugar, and unhealthy oils, and advocated for expanded access to health insurance to address healthcare inequities. He asserted that an efficient PHC system could lead to greater equity in healthcare delivery.
Reflecting on the theme for World Heart Day 2025, Fasan underscored the urgency of raising awareness and promoting regular checkups and screenings for hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, which significantly increase the risk of heart disease. He highlighted that approximately 80 percent of cardiovascular issues are linked to social determinants such as income, education, and living conditions.
For prevention, Fasan advised adopting lifestyle changes, including regular physical activity, healthy eating, stress management, reduced salt and fat intake, avoiding tobacco, and adhering to prescribed medications. He emphasized the need to bridge gaps in awareness and treatment, ensuring that those unaware are educated and those requiring treatment have access to affordable and consistent care.