More Than 99% of Heart Diseases are Preventable, as GAMMUN Advocates Demand Release of Budgeted NCD Health Funds
A groundbreaking new global study has confirmed that more than 99% of heart disease, stroke, and heart failure cases are preceded by at least one identifiable, modifiable risk factor, reinforcing the critical need for proactive healthcare investment.
This revelation comes as health advocates in Kano State intensify their call for the full and timely release of the 2025 budget allocated for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, analyzed hundreds of thousands of cases in South Korea and the United States, focusing on traditional risk factors: high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high cholesterol, and smoking. The data showed that in over 99% of cases, patients had at least one of these risk factors present before a cardiovascular incident occurred.
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“Even ‘mild’ elevations of these 4 factors should be addressed with lifestyle treatments or medications,” said Dr. Philip Greenland, one of the study’s lead authors and a professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.
This global research underscores the urgent local message from the Kano Hypertension Advocacy Initiative (KHAI), implemented by the GAMMUN Centre for Care and Development Nigeria. With cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) accounting for nearly half of all NCD deaths worldwide, the group is leveraging World Heart Day to demand action.
The Executive Co ordinator Gammun center for Care development Nigeria Tulari Tine in a Statement Sign by Sulaiman Abdullahi communication officer Gammun center for Care development said It proves that the deaths from hypertension and stroke we see in our communities are not inevitable.
“However, prevention requires a functional healthcare system. That is why our call for the Government of Kano State to ensure 100% release of the NCD budgeted funds is a matter of life and death.”
The advocates emphasized that timely budget releases would enable:
1. The timely and effective implementation of budgeted activities, including public screening and awareness campaigns.
2. Consistent healthcare service delivery in Primary Healthcare Centres, bringing essential care closer to the people.
3. Reduced vulnerability and deaths by ensuring medications and counselling are available.
“This mirrors our reality in Kano, where many live with undetected or ‘mild’ hypertension,”
“Without budget releases to fund screenings and public education in our PHCs, we are missing the chance to intervene early. Delays in budget releases lead to inefficiencies, undermine service delivery, and hinder efforts to achieve our public health goals.”
Explaining the important of blood test Dr Aisha Ismail Makatu From Kano state Primary Health Care Management Board said
“Managing blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol doesn’t mean you are losing things — it means you are taking steps to preserve your lifespan and health span,”
Pulse Time Nigeria reports that,Kano State is renowned for its prioritization of the health of its citizenry. Health advocates are now calling for this commitment to be reflected in the seamless release of allocated funds, arguing that it is a cost-effective investment in the state’s most valuable asset: its people.
Mr Tulari Tine however urge the state government to bridge the Gap of budget release .
“As we mark World Heart Day, the message is clear: the power to prevent heart disease lies in our hands. We call on the government to releasing the funds that will save lives and build a healthier, more productive Kano State.” said Tulari Tune