World Hypertension Day: FG Ramps Up Efforts To Tackle High Blood Pressure, Sets Targets

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified its efforts to combat the rising incidence of hypertension, a condition affecting millions of Nigerians, as the world marks the World Hypertension Day.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, disclosed these efforts during a press briefing on Thursday to commemorate this year’s World Hypertension Day.

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The global theme, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,” underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and effective management of blood pressure, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof Ali Pate

Prof. Pate highlighted the alarming prevalence of hypertension worldwide, noting that over one billion people live with the condition.

“Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality,” he stated.

In Nigeria, hypertension affects more than 30% of adults, contributing significantly to the nation’s health burden.

Factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and harmful alcohol consumption exacerbate this issue, compounded by a widespread lack of awareness and timely medical intervention.

Efforts To Address Hypertension Rising Cases of Hypertension In Nigeria

To combat this, the federal government has implemented several strategic interventions, according to the minister.

One key initiative is the National Hypertension Control Initiative (NHCI), launched in August 2019.

Prof. Pate said this programme, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and international partners, has bolstered primary healthcare services to provide comprehensive hypertension care.

Since November 2020, NHCI has activated 104 primary health centers (PHCs) in Kano and Ogun States.

Expanding these efforts further, the Healthy Heart Africa (HHA) Programme was launched in August 2022 with support from AstraZeneca and Population Services International (PSI).

This initiative has extended hypertension services to an additional 360 PHCs across 17 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Prof. Pate outlined the government’s ambitious targets: screening 80% of the eligible population, ensuring 80% of those diagnosed receive treatment, and maintaining blood pressure control in 80% of treated individuals.

These measures aim to reduce premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25%.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof Ali Pate and Minister of State For health and social welfare Dr Tunji Alausa

Supporting these initiatives are the National Task-Shifting and Task-Sharing Policy and the National Guideline for the prevention and management of hypertension, ensuring standardized care across all healthcare levels.

The forthcoming report from the National Steps Survey on NCDs will provide vital data to refine and enhance these interventions, the health minister said.

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He urged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles in order to mitigate the effects of hypertension.

“Engage in regular physical activity, avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol, and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Regularly check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels to stay informed about your health status,” Prof. Pate advised.

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