WHO: heart disease, stroke top global killers; Nigeria sees rising NCD burden

WHO’s latest Global Health Estimates, released October 2, 2026, show that ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death worldwide in 2023, killing about 9.5 million people (≈16% of all deaths). Stroke followed with 6.8 million deaths (≈11%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused 3.6 million deaths (≈6%). Noncommunicable diseases accounted for eight of the top ten causes, representing 47% of global deaths.

In Nigeria, the NCD burden is growing. Roughly 8% of Nigerians—about 18 million people—live with diabetes, while at least 40% of adults are estimated to have hypertension. To curb sugar‑sweetened beverage consumption, Nigeria currently charges an excise duty of ₦10 per litre on sodas and energy drinks. In June 2026 the Senate approved a new excise‑duty regime that replaces the flat‑rate tax with a percentage‑based levy tied to retail prices.

These figures mean that a significant share of the population faces heightened risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems. Knowing the scale helps individuals prioritize regular blood‑pressure and glucose checks, consider reducing sugary drinks, and stay informed about the upcoming tax change that could affect product prices.

SOURCE: https://nairametrics.com/2026/10/03/who-says-these-10-diseases-claimed-33-million-lives-in-one-year/