Health

Research: Nigeria Records 28,876 Tobacco Smoking-Related Deaths Annually

Published

5 years ago

February 8, 2021

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Abuja-based Centre for the Study of Economies of Africa (CSEA) has reported that a research it conducted had revealed that 28,876 deaths related to tobacco smoking are recorded annually in Nigeria.

Mr Marco Castradori, a Research Associate with the CSEA, revealed this, on Monday, in Kano, at the report dissemination workshop on the health burden and economic cost of smoking in Nigeria.

According to Castradori, the number represents around 16 per cent of deaths from smoking-related diseases and above five per cent of all cases of deaths.

“Among the disease analysed, nearly 737,366 events are expected each year, of which 127,859 representing 17 per cent are attributable to cigarette consumption.

“In terms of costs, these conditions burden the Nigerian healthcare system with nearly N634 billion, of which 526.4 billion, representing 83 per cent are smoking-attributable treatment costs.

“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents the top cause of smoking-attributable mortality with 29 per cent, followed by Ischemic heart disease with 17.5 per cent, stroke with 13 per cent.

“Other diseases include; passive smoking, 11.5 per cent, lower respiratory tract infection 11 per cent, and also cardiovascular deaths of non-ischemic cause 5.5 per cent,’’ he said.

He explained that smoking generates a direct annual treatment cost of N526.45 billion, which, he said, was equivalent to 0.36 per cent of the Nigerian GDP in 2019, and 9.63 per cent of the country’s annual healthcare spending.

“Furthermore, adding up productivity losses due to illness, early deaths and informal caregiver, tobacco related diseases represents 0.44 per cent of the GDP,’’ according to Castradori.

He added that the research had suggested that if the price of tobacco cigarettes were to be raised, by 50 per cent, the 23,838 deaths from the smoking-attributable diseases would be averted in 10 years.

He said this would lead to subsequent savings on healthcare costs with increased tax revenue.

“In Nigeria, the tobacco tax collection does not currently fully cover the direct healthcare costs attributed to smoking. We also supplement the quantitative analysis through focus group discussions with smokers across six Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

“Five major key themes emanated from the discussions with the participants include; psychological effect, stigmatisation, reduced productivity, fall in standard of living and change in physical health.

“Overall, the result underscores the need for broader tobacco control policies in Nigeria through more tobacco taxes and other supplementary measures,’’ he said.

Also, in her presentation, tagged ‘Effective tobacco control regulation in Nigeria: Assessment of Tobacco Taxation and illicit trade’, another research associate, Faiza Muntaka said the pervasiveness of illicit tobacco products also represents a severe cost for the development efforts of the government.

“This pervasiveness of illicit tobacco products not only harms the health of consumers by stimulating greater consumption of lower standard goods at affordable prices, but also represents a severe cost for the development efforts of the government.

“A significant tax revenue reduction, approximated in the range of N12 billion, the loss of national productivity associated with morbidity and the increased healthcare costs all compound to pose a significant barrier to Nigeria’s development.

“However, we must make it clear that the issue of the illicit market does not in itself justify the suboptimal regulation of the tobacco industry in Nigeria

Health

PPC Limited Calls for Greater Emphasis on Quality Medical Equipment

Published

6 months ago

October 22, 2025

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In response to the Federal Government’s renewed focus on eliminating substandard medical equipment from Nigerian hospitals, PPC Limited has reiterated the importance of strengthening quality assurance in the country’s healthcare sector

According to Dr. Emmanuel Iyere, Head of Diagnostics Services at PPC Limited, the widespread use of unreliable or poorly maintained medical devices undermines clinical outcomes and puts patients at risk. Addressing this challenge requires greater accountability in procurement, closer monitoring of equipment standards, and a stronger focus on sustainable investments in trusted technologies.

“Healthcare professionals can not deliver optimal care without dependable tools. When equipment fails, it places unnecessary strain on caregivers and can compromise patient safety. Nigeria’s hospitals must be supported with reliable systems that meet international standards,” Dr. Iyere stated.Stakeholders need to be at the forefront of strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem through innovative Public-Private partnerships (PPPs). We have achieved notable collaborations, including the provision of diagnostic imaging solutions for tertiary hospitals and the supply and maintenance of laboratory equipment in partnership with state governments. These PPPs demonstrate how combining government support with private-sector expertise can deliver sustainable, high-quality healthcare services.”He further emphasized that by aligning procurement with global best practices and prioritizing quality over short-term cost savings, the healthcare system can better protect patients, reduce waste, and strengthen trust in medical services.

Health

Why Nigeria Needs AEDs in Every Public Space and Trained Personnel to Use Them

Published

8 months ago

August 6, 2025

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In Nigeria today, sudden cardiac emergencies, including heart attacks and cardiac arrest, are no longer rare occurrences. According to SOS Emergency Response Technologies, hypertension affects over 40% of the adult population, and with cardiovascular diseases becoming increasingly prevalent, the need for immediate lifesaving interventions is higher than ever.Heart-Related Illness: A Growing National ConcernHeart-related illnesses have become a major national concern in Nigeria. According to the Nigerian Hypertension Society and Nigerian Heart Foundation, approximately 76 million Nigerians live with high blood pressure, and only a small fraction have their condition under control. Sudden cardiac events, often tied to unmanaged hypertension, are striking people in their prime, sometimes within minutes.Hypertension affects approximately 38–42% of adult Nigerians, with only about 7% achieving effective blood pressure control, according to reports by The Guardian.The Nigerian Cardiac Society also notes that heart disease claims over 20 million lives globally each year, most of them in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. These realities are compounded by reports of individuals collapsing from unexpected heart attacks, often attributed to undiagnosed hypertension or heart disease.These figures highlight a major public health challenge: sudden cardiac arrest and heart disease are claiming thousands of lives, many of which could be prevented with timely detection and early intervention.The PPC Healthcare Solution: AEDsAutomated External Defibrillators (AEDs) play a critical role in saving lives during sudden cardiac events. When used in combination with basic CPR, AEDs can triple the chances of survival. Time is critical: survival declines by 10% with every minute without defibrillation. When CPR is used together with an AED, survival chances can triple—even if medical services are still en route (CESAHA.org). Unfortunately, in Nigeria, AEDs are rarely found in public settings.According to guidelines from the Nigerian Cardiac Society, AEDs should be made available in high-traffic, high-risk locations such as airports, shopping malls, markets, schools, universities, event centres, hospitals, clinics, security posts, banks, workplaces, and high-rise buildings.However, simply having AEDs is not enough. Trained staff, such as security officers, receptionists, and event personnel, must be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and AED use. According to national standards, each facility installing an AED should train at least 10 personnel to ensure the device is used effectively in emergencies.Every minute without defibrillation reduces a cardiac arrest victim’s survival odds by 7–10%. Keeping AEDs accessible and training people to use them can make the difference between life and death (SOS Emergency Response Technologies).At PPC Limited, we advocate for legislation and policies mandating AED presence in vulnerable public spaces. Businesses, event locations, schools, and transit hubs are encouraged to install AEDs. We also provide not only the deployment of AEDs but also CPR and AED training programs for frontline staff and security personnel.At PPC Healthcare, we believe saving lives is everyone’s responsibility. The integration of AEDs and training programs into Nigeria’s public infrastructure is not just smart, it’s urgent. For more information, visit www.ppcng.com

Health

Inside Afrihealth Expo 2025: Key Highlights and Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

Published

10 months ago

June 17, 2025

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Africa’s largest convergence of healthcare professionals, innovators, and solution providers has landed in Lagos, and it’s already shaping up to be a game-changer. From the 18 to 20 June, all roads will lead to the Welcome Centre Hotel, Airport Road, Lagos as Afrihealth Expo 2025 brings together stakeholders from across the continent to discuss, showcase, and collaborate on sustainable healthcare innovations that will drive the future of medical care in Africa.

From high-level panel discussions to product unveilings and strategic partnerships, here are some of the key highlights of this year’s event and why it matters more than ever to be part of the conversation.

A Hub of Innovation and Technology

One of the biggest draws of Afrihealth Expo 2025 is its display of cutting-edge health technologies. From AI-powered diagnostics to portable imaging devices and smart hospital infrastructure, the exhibition halls are packed with next-generation solutions that are redefining access, quality, and efficiency in healthcare delivery.

PPC Healthcare Division, in collaboration with its global OEM partners including Vinno, Comen, Neusoft, and Cardioline, are among the standout exhibitors. With live demonstrations of advanced ultrasound systems and discussions around the integration of technology in maternal and neonatal care, PPC Healthcare is making a strong case for diagnostics as a critical driver of healthcare equity.

Conversations that Drive Policy and Practice

The event also plays host to keynotes and roundtable sessions led by policymakers, medical experts, and industry leaders. Topics such as universal health coverage, local manufacturing, health financing, and workforce development are being explored with urgency and depth, reflecting the need for holistic approaches to Africa’s healthcare challenges.

According to Dr. Chukwunonso Izechukwu, Assistant General Manager of PPC Healthcare, “Events like Afrihealth are vital, not just for showcasing technology, but for shaping the policy and collaboration frameworks that ensure innovation reaches the last mile. The conversations we’re having here are laying the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system.”

Networking that Translates to Impact

Beyond the sessions and booths, Afrihealth Expo is a space for meaningful connection. From cross-border partnerships to public-private collaborations, the event is a fertile ground for building relationships that turn ideas into impact.

Healthcare providers, investors, engineers, and government bodies are coming together in real time to exchange insights, forge alliances, and design solutions with the power to transform communities.

Why You Should Be at Afrihealth Expo

Whether you’re a healthcare practitioner, a policymaker, a tech innovator, or a student with a passion for public health, Afrihealth Expo 2025 is the place to be. It’s not just about seeing what’s new, it’s about being part of what’s next.

By attending, you gain access to first-hand exposure to breakthrough technologies, expert knowledge from across the continent, new opportunities for partnership and growth and a deeper understanding of the issues shaping Africa’s health future

PPC Limited, through its healthcare division, is proud to be part of this transformative event, contributing solutions, facilitating dialogue, and advocating for healthcare systems that leave no one behind

Visit the PPC Healthcare booth at Afrihealth Expo 2025 from 9.00am to 4.00pm on 18 to 20 June and be part of the movement to reimagine Africa’s healthcare story.