By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
The 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, stressing the importance of credible public information in saving lives.
Idris made the call in Abuja at the 2026 World Heart Day commemoration and Special Humanitarian Service Award Ceremony organised by the Heart Recovery Foundation, HRF.
This was contained in a statement by Moses Odogwu, Head of Press, for the Director, Public Relations and Protocol Department. The event, themed “Use Heart for Action,” brought together medical professionals, heart patients and survivors, development partners, members of the diplomatic community, media practitioners and other stakeholders.
Idris said cardiovascular disease should be viewed beyond statistics, noting that every case represented a person, a family and a story. He commended HRF for its interventions, including health education, cardiovascular screening, medical consultations, survivor testimonies and support for indigent patients.
The minister stressed the need for citizens to have credible and accessible information on healthy living, risk factors, warning signs and when to seek medical attention. He called for stronger collaboration among government, healthcare professionals, civil society, development partners and the media to improve awareness and access to care.
He also highlighted Federal Government efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery through preventive services, the revitalisation of Primary Healthcare Centres and the expansion of specialised medical facilities under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Idris, however, said the government could not tackle the challenge alone, urging continued partnerships to protect lives and improve the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Chairman of HRF’s Board of Trustees, Dr Suleiman Haruna, said the Foundation’s work extended beyond medical treatment to restoring families and livelihoods affected by heart disease.
The Foundation’s founder, Gilbert Kiaka, said his personal experience with heart disease inspired his advocacy for children with congenital heart defects and families unable to afford treatment.
HRF Programme Coordinator, Blessing Moses, said the organisation had combined awareness, screening, outreach and treatment support since 2024, stressing that early detection was critical to ensuring timely intervention.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Umar Abubakar, a cardiothoracic surgeon and President of the Nigerian Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons, called for stronger systems linking diagnosis to treatment. He advocated sustainable financing, local capacity, improved data and closer collaboration among stakeholders.
