World Health Day: Advocates Urge Prioritisation Of Nutrition For Maternal, Newborn Health

As the world marks World Health Day 2025, Nigerian health advocates have stressed the urgent need to address poor nutrition among pregnant women, a leading factor in preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” highlights the importance of early-life health interventions. In Nigeria, experts say many pregnancy-related complications, such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and preterm births are linked to poor dietary habits, particularly excessive sodium intake.

Too many Nigerian women are unknowingly consuming dangerous levels of sodium through everyday products like seasonings, bouillon cubes, and instant noodles. These hidden salts pose a serious risk to maternal and newborn health, said Dr. Emmanuel Sokpo, Country Director of the Network for Health Equity & Development.

Citing recent research, Dr. Sokpo emphasised that high sodium consumption is a key contributor to life-threatening conditions during pregnancy. He noted that while nutrition is a core component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), it remains an overlooked area in Nigeria’s maternal health strategy.
The advocates are calling on the government to implement strong nutrition policies, including mandatory sodium reduction targets and front-of-pack warning labels (FOPL) to help consumers make healthier food choices.

Clear labeling can save lives. We must empower women with the knowledge to protect themselves and their babies, Dr. Sokpo said.

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In a joint appeal, health professionals, food industry regulators, and government agencies are urged to enforce sodium reduction policies to mitigate diet-related risks in pregnancy, mandate front-of-pack labeling to flag high-sodium foods, and launch public awareness campaigns on the dangers of excessive salt consumption, especially during pregnancy.