Concerned about increasing cases of heart disease, the Nigeria Heart Foundation has called for stronger public awareness on healthy nutrition.
The appeal was made in Lagos during a summit marking the first NHF Heart Mark Logo Awareness Month, where stakeholders gathered to promote better dietary choices and raise awareness on cardiovascular health.
Executive Director of the Nigeria Heart Foundation, Kingsley Akinroye, said the Heart Mark initiative is designed to help consumers easily identify food products that meet approved nutritional standards.
He said heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Nigeria, stressing that it is largely preventable through healthier lifestyles, especially proper diet.
“Heart disease is very expensive, but it is preventable.
“If your diet is healthy, you are less likely to develop it, and even those already affected can manage it better through nutrition”, he said.
Akinroye explained that products bearing the red Heart Mark logo are certified to meet specific health standards, making it easier for consumers to make quick, informed food choices without analysing detailed labels.
He added that the programme, launched in 2003 in partnership with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the food industry, also promotes healthy eating, supports research, and improves food quality standards.
According to him, certified products are reviewed annually to ensure continued compliance, while improved local laboratory capacity has reduced the need for overseas testing.
“When we started, there was no accredited laboratory in Nigeria, so for about 15 years we had to send products to South Africa for analysis”, he said, noting that four local testing facilities are now available.
He urged food manufacturers to enrol their products in the certification scheme and called for greater public awareness of the Heart Mark logo.
Also speaking, Alayo Sopokan, Deputy National Coordinator of the Non-Communicable Diseases Division at the Federal Ministry of Health, said NCDs have become the leading cause of death globally and are rising steadily in Nigeria.
He said the ministry has developed national policies to strengthen prevention and control efforts, while commending the Nigeria Heart Foundation for its advocacy.
President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Salisu Abubakar, emphasised the role of proper nutrition in preventing chronic diseases, noting that sustained public awareness is key to reducing risks.
Former President of the society, Wasiu Afolabi, warned that cardiovascular diseases account for about 27 per cent of NCD-related deaths, attributing the trend to urbanisation and increased consumption of processed foods high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats.
He called for urgent consumer education and food reformulation to address the growing health challenge.
The summit featured expert presentations on strategies to reduce non-communicable diseases and promote healthier lifestyles nationwide.
