By Hassan Zaggi
The Network for Health Equity & Development, has advocated for the enforcement of sodium reduction policies to prevent diet-related health risks.
In a statement signed by its Country Director, Dr. Emmanuel Sokpo, to commemorate World Health Day 2025, the group further called on the government to ensure, what it described as clear and mandatory front-of-park labeling to guide healthier food choices.
It also called on government agencies, health professionals and food regulators to raise massive public awareness of the dangers of excessive sodium intake, especially for maternal and newborn health.
Establishing the link between sodium (salt) and maternal health, the group said: “Research has shown that excess sodium consumption increases the risk of high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and preterm births—all of which can lead to maternal and newborn deaths.
“Despite these dangers, many Nigerian women unknowingly consume high amounts of sodium hidden in processed foods such as seasonings, bouillon cubes and instant noodles.”
The group therefore, reiterated that, in order to protect mothers and newborns in the country, “Nigeria must implement mandatory sodium reduction targets and adopt front-of-pack warning labels (FOPL) to help consumers identify high sodium foods.
“Nutrition is a fundamental part of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and should be prioritized to prevent pregnancy complications and ensure healthy births.”
The group described the theme of the World Health Day 2025- “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” as apt, stressing that it calls for urgent action to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths—many of which are linked to poor diets, excessive sodium intake, and limited access to nutrition information.
