The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Bayelsa State has been associated with a non -governmental organization, “I care about Save A Soul”, to launch a basic campaign aimed at reducing excessive salt intake in nine local communities, in the midst of increasing cases of hypertension.
During a visit to Noa’s office in Yenagoa, the NGO team, led by Comrade, Princess Elizabeth, said the association was a “rescue mission” to address the threat of silent health but mortal of salt consumption not controlled in the Rural Bayelsa.
Responding, the director of the state of Noa, Mrs. Grace Olobio, promised the full support of the agency, describing the campaign as timely.
She said that one of the dangers of excessive salt intake was the risk of hypertension, which we are seeing more frequently in our communities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 38 percent of Nigerian adults suffer from high blood pressure, while a 2023 study conducted by the Nigeria heart foundation placed the number of hypertensive Nigerians in more than 30 million.
The campaign will implement the NOA base network, including community mobilization officers, traditional media and local influencers, to sensitize residents about changes in diet and dangers of excessive salt use.
The initiative aims to achieve at least a 20% reduction in salt intake among participating homes and increase awareness of hypertension cases, with organizers who hope to expand the project to more local governments if the pilot phase is successful.
Also read the main stories of Nigerian Tribune