Nutrition as medicine: The role of diet in preventing, managing chronic d iseases

In Africa, conversations around healthcare often focus on hospital infrastructure, access to pharmaceuticals, and medical interventions. But what if a critical part of the solution is not found in a pill bottle, but on our plates?

Consider this: In Nigeria, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease now account for nearly 29% of deaths, according to a 2019 report by the World Health Organization (WHO). This rise is driven by poor dietary habits—excess consumption of processed foods, high sugar intake, and inadequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, a 2023 Global Nutrition Report highlights that urbanization is shifting dietary habits, leading to a rise in fast food consumption and processed foods across Africa. What was once considered a health burden of wealthier nations is now an escalating crisis on the continent, fueled by changing food systems and lifestyles.

Despite overwhelming evidence, nutrition remains sidelined in mainstream healthcare discussions. The question is no longer whether food plays a role in health—it is how soon African healthcare systems will recognize nutrition as a fundamental tool for disease prevention and management.

The Science Behind Nutrition and Chronic Disease

The role of diet in health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease is not incidental—it is central. A 2023 study published in the African Journal of Public Health found that Nigerians who consume predominantly processed, high-sodium, high-sugar diets are twice as likely to develop hypertension as those who follow a diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Similarly, research from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC, 2024) estimates that approximately 8 million Nigerians live with type 2 diabetes, based on a 7.0% prevalence rate from a 2024 systematic review.

Globally, there is increasing recognition of the role food plays in healthcare. From the Mediterranean diet’s impact on heart health to plant-based interventions for diabetes management, scientific studies continue to highlight the power of nutrition as medicine. Yet, African healthcare systems are slow to integrate these findings into policy and practice.

Shifting the Healthcare Paradigm

Recognizing the urgent need for action, governments, healthcare institutions, and private sector players are beginning to invest in nutrition-focused health initiatives. Educational campaigns, dietary guidelines, and food policies are being developed to encourage healthier eating habits, while medical practitioners are integrating nutrition counseling into patient care. From farm-to-table initiatives that promote organic food consumption to technology-driven nutrition tracking tools, innovative solutions are emerging to tackle this public health challenge.

One initiative making notable strides in advancing nutrition-based healthcare is WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos, formerly known as Medic West Africa and Medlab West Africa. As a premier platform dedicated to driving conversations around health, wellness, and nutrition, WHX Lagos brings together medical professionals, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to explore innovative approaches to nutrition-focused healthcare. By fostering collaborations and knowledge-sharing, WHX Lagos is accelerating the shift towards preventive healthcare models that place diet at the heart of chronic disease management.

Since its inception, WHX Lagos has attracted a growing audience of stakeholders committed to transforming the health landscape through evidence-based nutrition solutions. The event features expert-led discussions, cutting-edge research presentations, and interactive workshops designed to equip healthcare providers with the tools needed to integrate nutrition into mainstream medical practice. It also serves as a launchpad for groundbreaking ideas, enabling industry innovators to showcase new dietary interventions, functional foods, and personalized nutrition solutions that can help combat chronic diseases.

The Future of Nutrition in Healthcare

WHX Lagos serves as a premier platform for exploring pressing healthcare issues. The event will bring together medical professionals, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to explore innovative approaches to healthcare, including the role of diet in disease prevention and management. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in expert-led discussions, research presentations, and interactive workshops that delve into emerging health trends including how nutrition and other health strategies can contribute to improving patient outcomes.

Taking place from June 2–4, 2025, at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, WHX Lagos marks a strategic rebranding from Medic West Africa and Medlab West Africa into a broader, more comprehensive healthcare expo. The 2025 edition is expected to welcome over 7,000 healthcare and laboratory professionals and 500 exhibitors from more than 40 countries, creating a global stage for advancing discussions on nutrition-based disease prevention and other pressing healthcare issues.

As global healthcare priorities continue to evolve, the integration of nutrition into healthcare strategies is essential for reducing the burden of chronic diseases. WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos 2025 stand at the forefront of this movement, championing nutrition as a powerful tool for disease prevention and health optimization. By bridging the gap between research, industry, and public awareness, the event is paving the way for a healthier future—one where food is not just sustenance but medicine.