In the bustling corridors of Nigeria’s public health sector, one name resonates with bold advocacy and groundbreaking achievements: Joy Amafah, Country Director for Global Health Advocacy Incubator's Food and Nutrition Programs. With courage and unrelenting determination, Amafah has charted a transformative path in the fight against industrially produced trans fats and unhealthy food practices. Her monumental work has not only revolutionised Nigeria's health policy landscape but also set a pace for other African nations to follow.

Amafah's efforts culminated in the passage and enforcement of Nigeria's Fats, Oils, and Foods Containing Fats and Oils Regulations, 2022, and the Pre-Packaged Food Labelling Regulations, landmark policies aimed at reducing trans fats in food products.

These regulations, with their implementation roadmaps now drawn and enforced by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), are already set to transform Nigeria’s public health narrative. By limiting trans fats to 2% of total fat content in food products and mandating clear labelling of ingredients and nutritional information, these policies empower Nigerian consumers to make healthier dietary choices.

In a nation where cardiovascular diseases account for nearly 11% of annual deaths, Amafah’s advocacy is projected to prevent up to 50,000 deaths annually by reducing the consumption of harmful trans fats. Over 190 million Nigerians are poised to benefit from these initiatives, with the policies paving the way for healthier food options and enhanced public awareness.

Trailblazing Advocacy and High-Level Engagement

Amafah’s success stems from her strategic partnerships and relentless advocacy. Collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, and international organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO), she championed the inclusion of trans fat elimination in Nigeria’s National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases (NMSAP). Her engagement with high-ranking officials, such as the Minister of State for Health, was instrumental in driving the regulatory revisions.

"Joy Amafah's work is not just a victory for Nigeria but a beacon for the entire ECOWAS region," said Dr. Bernard Kofi Asare, Head of Public Health Policy at ECOWAS. "Her courage and strategic approach have demonstrated that with the right leadership, we can prioritise public health over industry interests."

A cornerstone of Amafah’s strategy was her innovative use of media and civil society partnerships. She directed a comprehensive media campaign, utilising digital platforms to amplify the dangers of trans fats. Her initiation of a journalism fellowship for investigative reporting on trans fats fostered sustained public discourse and increased consumer awareness. Data from NAFDAC’s 2023 consumer survey revealed a 35% increase in public awareness about trans fats, with 78% of respondents now actively checking food labels.

Civil society organisations also played a pivotal role. By rallying local NGOs and international partners, Amafah built a united front to counter industry interference. This coalition ensured that public health priorities remained central to policy discussions, safeguarding the integrity of the regulatory process.

ECOWAS and Government Officials Laud Her Achievements

Amafah’s groundbreaking work has garnered praise from across the region. Professor Nana Boateng, a renowned nutritionist and policy advisor in Ghana, described her as a "visionary leader whose work transcends borders, setting a precedent for Africa’s fight against non-communicable diseases."

Mr. Ibrahim Waziri, Director of Public Health at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health, hailed her as "a woman of courage and a trailblazer in public health advocacy. Joy Amafah has achieved what many thought was impossible, reshaping Nigeria’s food safety landscape."

The ripple effects of Amafah’s advocacy extend beyond Nigeria. The ECOWAS Regional Health Task Force is reportedly considering adopting similar regulations across member states, inspired by her success. If implemented, these measures could impact over 300 million people across West Africa.

For Joy Amafah, the fight for safer food is far from over. Her mission is to ensure that the regulations are not just enforced but also monitored for compliance, creating a lasting impact on Nigeria's health outcomes. "This is a journey, not a destination," Amafah remarked. "The health of our people is our greatest asset, and we must protect it at all costs."

Pioneering a Healthier Future

Through her unparalleled determination and innovative strategies, Joy Amafah has not only safeguarded the health of millions but also inspired a new wave of public health advocacy in Africa. As the world looks to Nigeria as a model for food safety reforms, Amafah’s legacy as a woman of valour and a champion for safe food acts continues to shine brightly.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when passion meets purpose, leaving an indelible mark on the health and well-being of generations to come.