Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO) with hypertension identified as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In Nigeria, hypertension alone contributes to 11% of cardiovascular disease-related deaths, which translates to approximately 2 million deaths per year due to high-salt diets.

The consumption of processed foods and highly salted homemade meals has led to an increase in sodium intake levels in Nigeria, which has reached 5.8g per day, dangerously exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 2 grams of sodium per day or less than 5 grams of salt per day (equivalent to one teaspoon of salt daily). Consuming high quantities of salt/sodium contributes to hypertension and further increases the risk of heart disease and strokes.

In line with Nigeria’s 2019-2025 National Multi-sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, we provide technical support for multi-stakeholders including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, and other essential government structure to develop policy, mandatory regulations, and legislations to expand access to healthy food in Nigeria.

Leveraging community structures and collaborative efforts with allies across the country, we create awareness of the health benefits of reducing salt/sodium intake as well as garner organic support from the grassroots for effective government actions on unhealthy food.