The Federal Government, through the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has launched a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Centre in the nation’s capital to address the increasing cases of cardiac arrest in Nigeria. The launch was part of the “Bring Back to Life” (BBL) programme organized by the Nigeria Cardiac Society.
During the event, Dr. Mahmoud emphasized the importance of equipping communities with CPR skills and installing Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) in public spaces with high foot traffic. She highlighted that cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of death worldwide and stressed the urgency of enhancing healthcare infrastructure within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“CPR is a life-saving technique that can double or triple the chances of survival during cardiac emergencies,” the minister explained. “Every minute matters, and empowering communities with these skills ensures a prompt response and increases survival rates.”
Dr. Mahmoud praised the Nigeria Cardiac Society for spearheading the initiative, describing it as a model of effective public-private partnership that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
Dr. Akinyemi Aje, chairman of the BBL programme, noted that about 89% of cardiac arrest cases occur outside hospitals, making it critical to establish CPR centres in public spaces. He warned that improper CPR by first responders, or passersby focusing on filming incidents for social media rather than helping, often worsens outcomes.
Aje stressed the need to train ordinary Nigerians, including family members, friends, and bystanders, to act swiftly in cardiac emergencies. “Sudden cardiac arrest doesn’t discriminate based on age, financial status, or occupation—it can happen anywhere: at home, in the marketplace, at work, or even during meetings,” he noted.
He urged Nigerians to change their approach and mindset, advocating for a shift from the “slump and die” narrative to a “slump and live” reality, achievable through collective action and proper training.
