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….
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.
Idris said credible and accessible public information was also critical to helping Nigerians recognise heart disease risks and seek medical attention early.
The minister made the call on Tuesday in Abuja in a message delivered on his behalf by the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mohammed Bulama, at the 2026 World Heart Day commemoration and Special Humanitarian Service Award Ceremony organised by the Heart Recovery Foundation (HRF).
The event was held under the theme, “Use Heart for Action”, and brought together medical professionals, heart patients and survivors, development partners, members of the diplomatic community, media practitioners and other stakeholders.
Idris said the occasion was a reminder of the human impact of cardiovascular disease.
“Behind every statistic on cardiovascular disease is a human being, a family and a story.”
He commended the Heart Recovery Foundation for its work in health education, cardiovascular screening, medical consultations, survivor support and assistance to indigent heart patients.
The minister stressed the importance of credible information in preventing heart disease.
“Citizens need credible, accessible and understandable information about healthy living, warning signs, risk factors and when to seek medical attention.”
He said government, health professionals, civil society and the media must work together to improve public awareness and access to care.
Idris also highlighted Federal Government efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery.
“The Federal Government, through its various health interventions, is strengthening access to healthcare and preventive services.”
According to him, the revitalisation of Primary Healthcare Centres and expansion of specialised medical facilities form part of wider health-sector reforms under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
The minister, however, acknowledged that government could not address the challenge alone.
“At the same time, government cannot do this alone.”
He called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, medical professionals, civil society organisations, development partners and the media.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Heart Recovery Foundation, Dr Suleiman Haruna, said the organisation’s work went beyond medical treatment to helping families affected by heart disease rebuild their lives.
“We are not just treating hearts. We are restoring families, we are restoring careers, and we are restoring children.”
The foundation’s founder, Gilbert Kiaka, said his personal experience with heart disease motivated him to advocate for children with congenital heart defects and families unable to afford treatment.
“Poverty should never determine whether a child lives or dies from a treatable heart condition.”
HRF Programme Coordinator, Blessing Moses, said the foundation had combined awareness, screening, outreach and treatment support since beginning its activities in 2024.
She said early screening was essential to identifying heart conditions and connecting affected children to appropriate treatment.
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.
“It is not enough to diagnose; we must provide access.”
He advocated sustainable financing, stronger local capacity, improved data and closer collaboration among government, hospitals, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders.
The event also featured testimonials from beneficiaries whose children had received support for cardiac treatment, as well as the presentation of Special Humanitarian Service Awards to individuals and organisations recognised for contributions to humanitarian service and heart-health advocacy.
What You Should Know
In simple terms, this report regarding World Heart Day: Idris Calls For Stronger Action To Prevent Heart Disease highlights key developments that may impact citizens and stakeholders. On the positive side, constructive action and policy clarity can bring convenience, accountability, and opportunities for the public. On the other hand, any implementation delays, added costs, or operational disruptions could pose challenges for everyday people and affected sectors.
