The South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria has been identified as having the highest burden of hypertension in the country, according to the President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society (NHS), Prof Ayodele Omotoso.
The prevalence of hypertension in the region is reported to be around 44%, compared to the national average of 30-40%.
Prof Omotoso highlighted the urgent need for attention to address the enormous burden of hypertension in Nigeria, emphasizing the economic implications of the disease.
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Speaking at the 23rd Annual General Meeting and scientific conference themed “Tackling the burden of hypertension in Nigeria from primary to tertiary care,” Prof Omotoso called for comprehensive and collaborative efforts to combat hypertension, which poses a significant public health concern globally.
The conference also discussed the role of telemedicine as a tool for hypertension control in sub-Saharan Africa.
Prof Solomon Kadiri, a member of the Africa Regional Advisory Group of the International Society of Hypertension, emphasized the need for awareness and proactive measures to address hypertension, which has become a silent killer.
He highlighted risk factors such as excessive salt intake, obesity, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Dr. Manmak Mamven, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, stressed the importance of a collective approach to combat hypertension, noting the role of stress and substance abuse in contributing to its prevalence in the country.
Dr. Salma Anas, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on health matters, highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts to increase awareness and implement policies aimed at reducing the burden of hypertension.
She emphasized the need for intensified awareness creation, prevention interventions, and community engagement to effectively address the scourge of hypertension in Nigeria.
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