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Why have NCDs received so little attention in Nigeria?
Author(s) -
Adeyemi Olutayo,
Pelletier David L.,
Devine Carol M.,
PinstrupAndersen Per,
Stoltzfus Rebecca J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.1055.14
Subject(s) - poverty , political science , neglect , bureaucracy , economic growth , government (linguistics) , politics , malnutrition , state (computer science) , development economics , medicine , public administration , nursing , economics , linguistics , philosophy , algorithm , computer science , law
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in low and middle income countries (LMICs) increase illness, death and poverty, overburden health systems, and may retard progress on undernutrition and infectious diseases through resource competition. Global authorities have urged that “a sound and explicit government policy” is vital for tackling NCDs in LMICs; yet, policy actors’ views concerning NCDs in these countries have not been studied. This research examined the state of NCD policy and the views of policy actors in Nigeria, which is ranked fifth among LMICs in terms of mortality due to NCDs. Methods included document analysis and semi‐structured interviews with 34 key Nigerian policy actors. Interview results were compared with established factors that shape political priority. The Nigerian health ministry has had a NCD policy unit since 1989 and there has been significant policy rhetoric about NCDs. However, there is no formal policy or serious action on NCDs. Factors contributing to this neglect of NCDs include the biological/social characteristics of NCDs, lack of bureaucratic or political champions, lack of a broadly‐based, effective NCD coalition and, until recently, limited attention by the international community. Research support: Cornell University: Division of Nutritional Sciences; Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies. First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca International Hunger Student Grant