Nigeria’s new National Sodium Reduction Guideline marks a major milestone in the government’s efforts to reduce salt consumption, create a healthier food environment and prevent cardiovascular disease.
The guideline, developed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare with support from Resolve to Save Lives and other key partners, proposes evidence-based interventions including setting mandatory limits on sodium content in processed and packaged foods and complementary policies such as front-of-pack warning labels. Based on best practices from the World Health Organization, the guideline will support Nigeria’s National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (2019–2025).
At a launch event, key stakeholders, including government representatives, health partners, industry leaders, and academia, pledged their support to ensure the successful adoption and implementation of the guideline. RTSL Nigeria’s Executive Director, Nanlop Ogbureke, represented by Okeoma Obasi, commended the Ministry and the multisectoral technical working group on sodium reduction for developing the evidence-based guideline and emphasized RTSL’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian government in addressing cardiovascular and other non-communicable diseases.
To kickstart the implementation, the Ministry also unveiled a mass-media campaign aimed at raising public awareness about the harms of consuming too much salt, tagged “Let Your Health Guide Your Taste.”
Learn more about Resolve to Save Lives: Nigeria