President calls for urgent global partnerships and stronger investments in health systems, highlights Nigeria’s progress on cancer care, HPV vaccination, and mental health reforms.
By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has raised a strong alarm over the rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges across Africa, warning that they are “stealing productive years from the continent’s youth” and undermining economic stability and social cohesion. Speaking at the Fourth High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of NCDs and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-Being during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Tinubu, represented by Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, urged world leaders to scale up investments and partnerships to tackle the crisis.
In a statement released by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Alaba Balogun, the President noted that NCDs now account for nearly 29 percent of all deaths in Nigeria. He cited national responses such as a new NCD Policy, six cancer centres of excellence, expanded health insurance coverage, and the vaccination of over 14 million adolescent girls against HPV to prevent cervical cancer.
“Particularly troubling is the growing prevalence of NCDs among the young, leading to the loss of productive years and negative economic impacts,” Tinubu said. “With global solidarity and renewed investments, we can reduce premature mortality from NCDs by 2030 and promote mental well-being for all.”
The President also highlighted reforms in mental health, pointing to the 2023 Mental Health Act and Nigeria’s suicide prevention strategy focused on decriminalisation, destigmatisation, and support for vulnerable groups. He stressed the need for stronger legislative and fiscal measures across nations to make health reforms sustainable.
Despite progress, Tinubu admitted that funding gaps, weak infrastructure, and limited data remain obstacles to stronger outcomes. He appealed for greater global attention to sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects Africa, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s alignment with the African Group’s call for accelerated global action on health.
