NHF requests increased efforts to minimise hypertension burden

On May 19, 2023

The Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF) has called for collective efforts to address and also minimise the high burden of hypertension in the country as Nigeria commemorates the 2023 World Hypertension Day. Professor Basden Onuwubere, Chairman of the NHF Hypertension Committee, who made the call in Lagos during a programme to mark the event, said that many Nigerians were at risk of hypertension.

The theme of 2023 World Hypertension Day, which was commemorated on Wednesday is, ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer’.

Professor Onuwubere said, “As of 2021, it was estimated that hypertension affects 39 per cent of adult ages 30 -79 years old, which amount to about 70 million people of the population, with a higher burden in women. A nationwide survey published about two decades ago puts the awareness about hypertension at 30 per cent and recent publications have not shown any significant improvement in this regard.

“This low level of awareness has given it the name ‘Silent Killer’ and young people are more prone because of their increasing exposure to unhealthy diets, high salt intake, tobacco, overweight among others. These risk factors are some of the major causes of hypertension and our government should be more sensitive to address some of the health challenges in the country. Nigerians should check their blood pressure regularly. Hypertension does not give any sign like diabetes or other non-communicable diseases,” he added.

He further noted that the NHF had been at the forefront of activities to control Non-Communicable Diseases, adding that hypertension remains the leading disease on the list.

Speaking also, the Executive Director of NHF, Dr. Kingsley Akinroye, urged the government to invest in preventive measures to address hypertension. He said that adequate funding should be put in place for the Primary Healthcare system to integrate the control of hypertension with other diseases.

“The prevalence of hypertension continues to increase gradually and government must put measures in place to ensure Nigerians have access to treatment. Nigerians must also check their BP regularly and main a healthy lifestyle,” Akinroye said.

Wumi/Punch