Anambra State Government through the State Ministry of Health, has introduced free hypertension checks across Primary Healthcare Centres and General Hospitals across the State, in commemoration of the 2024, World Hypertension Day.
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The state Commissioner For Health, Dr. Afam Obidike said that the commemoration provides them another opportunity to raise the awareness about hypertension which is one of the deadliest non-communicable diseases in the society.
Dr. Obidike reaffirmed the commitment of Gov. Prof. Charles Soludo’s administration in partnering with the partners and stakeholders in eradicating the hypertension threats.
He stated that hypertension is the main cause of cardiovascular disease and about 1 billion people are living with it globally.
According to him, “The administration of Gov. Soludo identified it as health threat and his ministry is currently carrying out an aggressive campaign against the disease.”
He explained that the current administration has introduced the Solution Know Your Number to checkmate hypertension.
“We have mapped out a proactive measure for adequate sensitization of Anambra people to access medications they need for effective management and treatment of BP.”
The Commissioner commended the World Health Organisation and Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative for their support while noting that untreated hypertension could lead to kidney disease and stroke.
On his part, the Anambra State World Health Organisation Coordinator, Dr. Bonos Mohammed said, “We are partnering with the state to screen no fewer than 3,000 people free of charge during the exercise. I assure the citizens and the state government that this partnership will continue.”
The State Non-communicable Disease Coordinator, Mrs. Adaku Ego said that they have mapped out many events to commemorate the day, including, free Screening and Treatment, Radio, Television programmes, road sensitization shows educating the public on hypertension. that commenced on 16 to end 17 May, 2024.
The Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Pharmacist Chisom Uchem, the Head, Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry, Mrs. Edith Nwachukwu were present during the briefing.
The theme of the celebration is: “Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer.”
