Earlier this year, HSDF participated in a two-day validation meeting at the UN House which contributed to the finalization of Nigeria’s National STEPwise Survey on Non-Communicable Diseases (STEPS).

The meeting brought together the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s NCD Division, WHO, Resolve to Save Lives, the Mental Health Desk, and leading academics in cardiology and endocrinology to review and validate the survey findings and accompanying fact sheets.

Conducted nationwide in 2023 with support from partners including The Global Fund, WHO, Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), USAID, and the Nigeria Salt Study, the STEPS Survey represents Nigeria’s first fully representative dataset on non-communicable diseases. Through its structured methodology ranging from behavioural questionnaires to physical and biochemical measurements, with optional modules on mental and oral health, the survey provides critical insights into the burden and risk factors driving NCDs across Nigeria.

During the validation meeting, participants reviewed data accuracy, prevalence trends, and the distribution of key risk factors to ensure the final outputs accurately reflect emerging national priorities. The validated findings will support evidence-informed policy development, planning, and programme design for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases across the country.

HSDF remains committed to strengthening the national evidence base and supporting efforts to advance effective NCD prevention and control in Nigeria.