Table of Contents
By Pharmacist Opara Augusta Onyinyechi
Introduction
In Nigeria, “slump-and-die” has become a common expression, especially among the younger generation, who use it humorously. This phrase describes a disturbing trend that has emerged in Nigerian society, gaining rapid momentum. Although there are no statistics to account for the incidence of slump-and-die cases in the nation, there is enough evidence that shows that we have a voracious beast ravaging our society that has no preference for age, societal status, gender, or profession. This unsettling pattern of people suddenly dying without any warning signs, probably in the middle of life events, is what has become our present reality, and everyone is wondering who will be next.
What is Slump-and-Die
“Slump-and-die” is a phrase used to describe a sudden and fatal outcome. Sudden death is defined as an unanticipated, natural death from a medical reason that happens quickly, usually within an hour of the onset of symptoms or, in circumstances where no witnesses were present, within 24 hours after the last time the individual was seen to be alive and well. It is an abrupt end to life without a prior obvious sign of illness.
Incidence of Sudden Death in Nigeria
While no statistic specifies the number of occurrences, evidence from various media sources offers insight into the challenges we face. The video above depicts Kunle Akinyele, who slumped and died during his wife’s 60th birthday Thanksgiving service in April. Another Samuel, a youth corps member, slumped and died while watching the penalty shoot-out match between Nigeria and South Africa. Another incident involved Hon. Cairo Ojougboh, who met a similar fate while watching the AFCON football match between Nigeria and South Africa. What about the legendary singer Onyeka Owenu, who died after performing in an event in Lagos State, or the case of Chineme Martins, who slumped and died while playing in a league match between his club, Nassarawa United, and Katsina United in the NPFL match Day 23 game at the Lafia City Stadium, Lafia, Nassarawa State. The list is endless, and going by the profile of the victims, we can see that these are influential people, young, old, poor, and even the learned; no one is exempt.
Common Causes of Sudden Death
Health experts are beginning to draw our attention to the dangers lurking in the dark, which are the primary cause of sudden deaths. Doctors warn that lack of cardiovascular awareness, unchecked hypertension, poor health-seeking behaviours, and substance abuse are the major causes of sudden deaths.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Various cardiac diseases, such as hypertension, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, valvular disorders, pulmonary thromboembolism, and aortic aneurysms, among others, have been listed as significant causes of sudden deaths. Experts mentioned that the risk factors that expose individuals to these diseases include alcohol, stress, uncontrolled hypertension, and tobacco use. Mitigating these risk factors can go a long way to preventing these disease conditions.
Poor Health-Seeking Behaviours
An interview of random people on the streets and marketplaces by the Nation’s Newspaper revealed that most people in Nigeria are too busy with their businesses and trying to make a living to visit a healthcare facility or conduct a routine check. One person in particular mentioned that he has not visited any healthcare facility in the last five years and only got screened during a market health outreach. This reveals that the average Nigerian is too busy to take care of their health and only visits the hospital when their health deteriorates or they are unconscious. If people see the hospital routinely, specific health issues can be discovered early and managed before they deteriorate.
Substance Abuse
The abuse of certain drugs like opioids, cocaine, and even alcohol can cause heart failure or respiratory depression, especially among young people, leading to sudden death.
Other Causes Include
Diabetes complications
Severe Asthma
Status Epilepticus
Family History
Stress
Solution to Sudden Death In Nigeria
Several strategies and initiatives can be implemented by both the government and individuals to get a fighting chance against this beast that has come to us. The government can implement various policies and health initiatives to improve healthcare access and affordability among the Nigerian population. Additionally, individuals must prioritise their health and incorporate regular health screenings into their routine. Some of the strategies that can give us a fighting chance include
Mobile health clinic: to improve healthcare access, especially in underserved areas.
Free or Subsidised Healthcare: Offering screening services free of cost or at a reduced price will improve healthcare access and encourage early detection of diseases.
Preventive Care: Organising Health outreaches and programmes that educate people on healthy lifestyle choices to prevent diseases, and how to manage chronic conditions to prevent health deterioration.
Awareness: Awareness campaigns and programs, both physical and media-based, should inform people about the benefits of routine screening, particularly for hypertension and diabetes, as well as the risks associated with poor management of chronic conditions.
Conclusion
The rising wave of sudden deaths in Nigeria is more than just an alarming trend—it is a national emergency that demands immediate and sustained action. We cannot afford to continue losing lives to preventable conditions. This is a wake-up call for every Nigerian, from policymakers to individuals in the smallest communities. It is time to take our health seriously, embrace routine medical checkups, and demand better access to affordable, quality healthcare.
The government must prioritise preventive healthcare by supporting mobile health clinics, subsidising health screenings, and launching aggressive public awareness campaigns. Religious bodies, workplaces, and community leaders should also partner with health professionals to host regular health outreaches.
As individuals, we must break the cycle of neglect and denial. Let us stop treating health as an afterthought. Visit a clinic. Get screened. Know your numbers. Encourage loved ones to do the same. Life is fragile, but many of these deaths are preventable. If we act now, we can save lives—perhaps even our own. Let this not just be another headline, but the start of a national movement to choose life, health, and a better future.
Pharmacist Opara Augusta Onyinyechi is the superintendent pharmacist at Keshmak Pharmacy, Sapele, Delta State
