Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Hypertension Society of Nigeria joined the global community in commemorating World Hypertension Day on May 20th with a strong call for early detection, healthy living, and enhanced access to medical care.
The event, held at the Conference room of the Sokoto State Ministry of Health, attracted healthcare professionals, government officials, and members of the public.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,” aimed to raise awareness about the importance of regular blood pressure checks and lifestyle changes to prevent complications such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.
Delivering the keynote address, the President of the Association, Professor Simeon A. Isezuo, emphasized the urgency of tackling what he described as a “silent killer” that continues to claim thousands of lives annually due to late diagnosis and poor management.
“Hypertension is no longer just a condition of the elderly,” Professor Isezuo said. “We are seeing it increasingly among young adults due to stress, poor dietary habits, and lack of exercise.
There is a need for consistent public education and government investment in primary healthcare to support early detection and long-term management.”
“In Nigeria, about 1 of every 3 adults living in the urban areas and 1 of every 4 living in the rural areas has hypertension.”
Only one-third of Nigerians are aware that they have hypertension, as it has no symptoms.
Many are at risk of its complications, such as stroke, kidney disease, heart failure, and heart attack,” Isezuo said.
He further called on the state and federal governments to provide subsidized medications and integrate hypertension screening into routine health services at all levels.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Umar Faruk Abubakar, Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, reiterated the government’s commitment to fighting non-communicable diseases, including hypertension.
He announced plans for expanded community-based health campaigns, and the state will offer free blood pressure screening and counseling in all health facilities across the state.
“The Ministry of Health recognizes hypertension as a major public health challenge. We are intensifying our efforts to improve access to screening and treatment services, especially in underserved communities,” Dr. Abubakar stated.
“The state government is also investing in training healthcare workers and upgrading facilities to better manage chronic diseases.”
Health experts at the event urged individuals to reduce salt intake, maintain a healthy weight, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and engage in regular physical activity as key steps in preventing high blood pressure.
World Hypertension Day, first inaugurated in 2005, is observed annually on May 17 to promote public awareness and encourage action against the global hypertension epidemic.
