Nigeria's Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for stronger action to prevent cardiovascular disease, promote early detection, and expand access to treatment. He made the call in a message delivered on his behalf by Dr Mohammed Bulama, director-general of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), at the 2026 World Heart Day commemoration in Abuja. The event, themed “Use Heart for Action,” brought together stakeholders to highlight the need for stronger action against cardiovascular disease.
Idris stressed that credible and accessible health information remains critical to saving lives. He said the event should serve as a reminder that behind the statistics associated with cardiovascular disease were individuals, families, and communities whose lives were directly affected by the condition. The minister commended the Heart Recovery Foundation (HRF) for complementing efforts to address heart disease through health education, cardiovascular screening, and support for indigent patients.
Idris highlighted the importance of equipping Nigerians with reliable information to identify risk factors, recognise warning signs, and seek medical attention early. He said citizens need credible, accessible, and understandable information about healthy living, warning signs, risk factors, and when to seek medical attention. The minister also stressed that the responsibility for improving cardiovascular health could not rest with government alone.
Idris urged health professionals, civil society organisations, development partners, and the media to sustain collaboration in promoting prevention, early detection, and access to treatment. He said the Federal Government, through its various health interventions, is strengthening access to healthcare and preventive services. The initiatives form part of broader health-sector reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
The minister highlighted Federal Government interventions in the health sector, including the revitalisation of Primary Healthcare Centres and the expansion of specialised medical facilities. He also accepted the Special Humanitarian Service Award presented to him at the event, saying the recognition would encourage continued support for initiatives focused on protecting lives and improving the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Dr Suleiman Haruna, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Heart Recovery Foundation, said the Foundation's intervention extended beyond medical treatment to helping families affected by heart disease regain stability. Haruna said the Foundation was not just treating hearts but also restoring families, careers, and children. The event brought together medical professionals, heart patients and survivors, development partners, and members of the diplomatic community.
The 2026 World Heart Day commemoration and Special Humanitarian Service Award organised by the Heart Recovery Foundation (HRF) aimed to promote stronger action against cardiovascular disease. Key stakeholders, including medical professionals and development partners, attended the event to highlight the need for collaboration in promoting prevention, early detection, and access to treatment.
Key points
- Nigeria's Information Minister Mohammed Idris calls for stronger action to prevent cardiovascular disease.
- The Federal Government is strengthening access to healthcare and preventive services through various health interventions.
- The Heart Recovery Foundation's intervention extends beyond medical treatment to helping families affected by heart disease regain stability.
