The President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society (NIS) brought attention to a concerning reality: the south-east geopolitical zone in Nigeria carries the highest burden of hypertension in the country.
This revelation emerged during the 23rd annual general meeting and scientific conference of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, which centered around the theme ‘Addressing the Challenge of Hypertension in Nigeria from Primary to Tertiary Care.’ The conference also explored the pivotal role of telemedicine in controlling hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa.
The NIS President, a distinguished Professor of Medicine at the University of Ilorin and a Consultant Cardiologist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, underscored the pressing need to tackle the formidable burden of hypertension in Nigeria.
Nationally, the prevalence stands at approximately 30–40%, with variations across geopolitical zones. Shockingly, in the South-East, the prevalence peaks at 44%, while in the North-East, it hovers around 42%, and in other geopolitical zones, it ranges from 25–30%.
When translated into concrete figures using the current population, the NIS president highlighted that the burden of hypertension encompasses millions.
The economic implications are staggering, affecting millions of Nigerians and resulting in significant costs for treatment, lost days due to ill health, and complications such as kidney failure, stroke, and heart failure.
Professor Solomon Kadiri, a distinguished member of the Africa Regional Advisory Group of the International Society of Hypertension, emphasized that hypertension has evolved into a substantial challenge over the past few decades. He pinpointed contributory factors including excessive salt intake, obesity, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Dr. Salma Anas, the Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, addressed the government’s unwavering commitment to confronting hypertension under the renewed hope agenda. She stressed the imperative for heightened awareness, especially among the younger demographic, and advocated for policies geared towards promoting healthy lifestyles.
Dr. Anas reassured that through united efforts, including robust awareness campaigns, preventive interventions, and community engagement, the prevalence of hypertension can be effectively curtailed in the country.
