In Nigeria, the Hypertension Society is stressing the importance of increasing knowledge and encouraging measures to prevent, detect early, and treat hypertension, which affects one out of every three adults in the country. In honour of World Hypertension Day, the NHS expressed their concern over the escalating prices of medications for hypertension treatment in a press release signed by President Simeon Isezuo. May 17 is celebrated as World Hypertension Day, with the aim of increasing knowledge and encouraging the prevention, detection, and management of the condition.
Elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood flows through an individual’s arteries is higher than normal levels (140/90 mmHg or above). Isezuo emphasized the importance of educating the public on the condition in Nigeria, where one out of every three adults is affected by this silent condition. The focus is on prevention, early detection, and treatment to prevent irreversible damage to the body. Therefore, a large number of individuals with this ailment go undiagnosed, and only a small portion of those who are diagnosed receive treatment.
High blood pressure continues to be a hidden danger in Nigeria.
Additionally, the majority of those receiving treatment fail to reach healthy blood pressure levels due to inconsistent medication adherence. High blood pressure is the main factor behind strokes, heart failure, chronic kidney issues, and heart attacks that can lead to the death or disability of individuals in their prime working years. Regrettably, high blood pressure continues to be a hidden danger in Nigeria. Despite this, it can be avoided and managed. The boss pointed out that the absence of high blood pressure among native Africans prior to Western influence indicates that it can be avoided.
He pointed out that high blood pressure rates in Africa are on the rise due to obesity, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy diets high in fats, salt, and sugar. To prevent hypertension, it is important to eat traditional African foods like roots, stems, and leaves and exercise regularly. Taxing unhealthy foods can help decrease their consumption. Laws should require accurate labelling of fat, salt, and sugar on food packaging. Promoting traditional African active lifestyles is important, which involves activities like gardening, walking, and participating in native dances. Using bicycles for short-distance travel should also be emphasized.
Tools needed to measure blood pressure should be made more affordable.
To discourage vehicle use, parking should be situated further away from work locations. He stressed the importance of early detection when preventing this condition is not an option. Regular blood pressure checks are essential, but public awareness about it needs to improve to make this feasible. The media plays a crucial role in dispelling misconceptions about hypertension, especially those spread through Social Media and cultural beliefs. The President emphasized the importance of health workers using their interactions with patients and clients to monitor blood pressure, regardless of the purpose of the visit.
Encouraging home monitoring of blood pressure is important. The tools needed to measure blood pressure should be made more affordable and easier to use by the healthcare sector. He also urged governments and businesses to consider implementing a program that offers incentives to employers who provide blood pressure monitors. In addition, family and friends should consider giving these monitors as gifts to promote their use. Kudos to the collaborative efforts of the Federal Government, its allies, and the Nigerian Hypertension Society for implementing innovative strategies to combat hypertension.
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Nevertheless, he expressed worry about the increasing prices of medications used to manage this chronic condition, as it poses a significant risk to the benefits that could result from these efforts. He emphasized the importance of Healthcare Providers being mindful when selecting cost-effective yet reliable medications for managing hypertension. It is important to promote local Medicine producers over time and make universal health coverage a priority for all levels of government. Additionally, he urged the Private Sector, philanthropists, and religious groups to assist those in need by financing their medical care and setting up funds to help them access healthcare Insurance.
