The Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF) will host a national summit to launch its Heart Mark Logo Campaign, a major initiative aimed at addressing the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Nigeria through the promotion of healthier dietary choices.
The summit is designed to deepen public understanding of heart diseases, widely recognised as a leading cause of death, and to promote simple, preventive lifestyle measures, particularly improved nutrition.
Speaking ahead of the summit, NHF Executive Director, Dr Kingsley Akinroye, said the initiative is a critical step toward empowering Nigerians to take control of their heart health.
“Cardiovascular diseases are on the rise in Nigeria, and unhealthy diets remain a major driver. The Heart Mark Logo provides a simple, reliable guide to help consumers make healthier food choices at a glance,” he said.
The NHF Heart Mark Food Labelling Programme, established in 2003 in partnership with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has over the years supported consumers in identifying healthier food options.
Under the programme, only products that have received NAFDAC approval are further evaluated using scientifically defined nutritional criteria, including levels of cholesterol, saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, sugar, fibre, and potassium, before they are endorsed with the Heart Mark Logo.
Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the collaboration as a strategic tool in advancing national public health goals.
“Our partnership with NHF underscores our shared commitment to reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases through improved food regulation, consumer education, and industry accountability,” she said.
She noted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between both organisations in August 2024 would further strengthen joint efforts in research, training, advocacy, and implementation of nutrition-focused interventions.
The NHF Heart Mark Programme aligns with global best practices, similar to initiatives implemented by heart foundations in countries such as South Africa, the United States, Finland, and New Zealand, where front-of-pack labelling systems guide consumers toward healthier food choices.
Currently covering eight food categories, including vegetable oils, milk, and packaged water—the programme also encourages food manufacturers to reformulate products and improve nutritional quality.
With Nigeria’s average daily salt intake estimated at 10 grams per person—double the recommended maximum of 5 grams, the initiative supports national targets to reduce salt consumption by 30 percent by 2030.
The summit comes at a time when non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and cancer, are rising rapidly, with unhealthy diets identified as a major shared risk factor. Other activities include advocacy visits to relevant Government Ministries/agencies and major Stakeholders in Food and Food Safety Industry.
In addition, NHF will embark on market sensitisation drives on the Heart Mark logo in Lagos and Abuja. NHF emphasised that the Heart Mark Logo is a practical tool for prevention, urging consumers to look out for the symbol when making food choices, while calling on food manufacturers to participate in the programme.
“This is not just a logo; it is a public health intervention designed to save lives. We urge all stakeholders—government, industry, and consumers, to support this initiative,” the NHF President, Professor Osaretin Odia added.
Stakeholders expected at the summit include policymakers, healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, food industry operators, and consumer advocacy groups.
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