Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, and Nigeria is no exception. Rising cases of hypertension, heart failure, and other cardio-renal disorders highlight gaps in early detection, treatment, and access to innovative therapies.
Speaking on World Heart Day, Emily Enij Akande, who coordinates cardio-renal medical teams at Novartis, emphasised the need for closer collaboration between healthcare providers and the pharmaceutical industry. “Many patients reach tertiary centres only after symptoms have advanced. This limits treatment options and affects long-term outcomes,” she said. “The challenge is not a lack of knowledge among physicians, but the absence of a coordinated approach that links community screening, physician training, and access to therapies.”
Emily’s work includes physician education programs and brand coordination across hospitals in Northern Nigeria. She noted that more facilities are seeking structured training and disease-awareness sessions for frontline staff, improving recognition of risk factors and patient counselling.
“Introducing new medicines is important, but sustained engagement is critical to ensure physicians understand where these treatments fit within local guidelines and patient needs,” she added.
Healthcare analysts warn that the pandemic has further strained resources for non-communicable diseases. While infectious disease response remains a priority, cardiovascular conditions often go underfunded, contributing to late diagnoses and increased complications.
Emily also highlighted the role of pharmacists in early detection and patient education. “Pharmacists are often the first point of contact. When trained to screen for high blood pressure and support medication adherence, they can identify at-risk patients earlier, particularly in regions with limited hospital access,” she said.
She stressed that improving access also requires stronger supply chain coordination to avoid medicine stock-outs. “Continuity of therapy is essential. Patients cannot maintain stability if their medicines are unavailable from month to month,” Emily noted.
Experts agree that greater integration between hospitals, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies will be key to reducing preventable cardiovascular deaths in Nigeria. As Nigerians mark World Heart Day, the focus remains on early detection, provider engagement, and consistent access to innovative therapies.
