Nigeria is on the brink of a public health catastrophe as medical experts reveal that more than 90 percent of hypertensive patients in the country are unable to achieve effective blood pressure control — a situation threatening national productivity and leading to thousands of preventable deaths annually.
This alarming revelation came from the President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society (NHS), Prof. Simeon Isezuo, during the society’s 25th annual scientific conference and general meeting held in Abuja on Thursday.
Prof. Isezuo, speaking on the theme of the gathering, said hypertension — often called the “silent killer” — now afflicts nearly one in three adults living in Nigeria’s urban areas, yet a majority remain undiagnosed, untreated or poorly managed.
“The majority of Nigerians with hypertension are not even aware they have the condition. Of those who are aware, many are not on treatment, and even those on treatment rarely achieve optimal blood pressure control,” he said.
According to him, uncontrolled hypertension is driving a wave of life-threatening complications including heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and sudden deaths — which are on the rise in both rural and urban centres.
He attributed the poor treatment outcomes to a combination of factors such as lack of awareness, absence of symptoms in early stages, high cost of medications, irregular follow-ups, and deep-rooted myths linking hypertension to spiritual causes.
“Hypertension without complications shows no symptoms, so people don’t know they are at risk until it is too late. Others believe it is a spiritual issue and don’t seek medical help,” he added.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Society, Prof. Basden Onwubere, echoed similar concerns, stressing that access to affordable medication remains a major barrier.
He urged the government to prioritise local production of antihypertensive drugs to reduce dependence on costly imports.
“If we don’t address the medication crisis and superstitions surrounding hypertension, we will continue to lose productive Nigerians to preventable deaths,” Onwubere warned.
Representing the Federal Government, Dr. Umaru Tanko, a technical adviser to the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Anas-Ibrahim, described hypertension as not merely a clinical concern but a national development threat.
He said, “Hypertension undermines productivity, affects economic stability and compromises our developmental goals as a country. The government is therefore integrating hypertension care into primary healthcare delivery.”
Tanko announced that the Federal Government would soon implement the National Health Sector Strategic Development Plan III, which includes expanding hypertension treatment through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund at the grassroots.
The NHS president, meanwhile, urged Nigerians to embrace routine blood pressure checks and adopt healthier lifestyles by reducing salt intake, exercising regularly and avoiding excessive weight gain.
“Hypertension is not a death sentence. It is preventable and treatable. Returning to our traditional African lifestyles, which involved more physical activity and balanced diets, can help curb this crisis,” Isezuo said.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the scientific conference brought together top cardiologists, policymakers, researchers and healthcare providers, all united in seeking urgent, innovative strategies to halt the growing burden of hypertension across the country.
'
'
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
