Stories by Stanley Onyekwere
As stakeholders in Abuja joined the global community to commemorate the this year’s World Hypertension Day, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has called for deployment of robust measures for opportunistic Blood Pressure (BP) screening, which can help to improve access to BP monitoring in the light of inadequate health care workers.
Also the FCTA noted that this year’s theme: “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”, emphasizes the importance of accurate measurements and achieving control for improved life expectancy.
Mandate Secretary, Health Services And Environment Secretariat (HSES) of the FCTA, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, asserted this position yesterday while flagging off free BP screening as part of activities to commemorate 2025 Hypertension Day at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) Office complex, in Abuja.
Fasawe, in a keynote address delivered by the HSES Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babagana Adam, explained that hypertension also known as high blood pressure is a silent killer that is characterized by persistent high pressure in the blood vessels and can be serious if not treated, as it can lead to severe complications affecting the brain, heart, eyes and kidneys.
She disclosed that in the FCT, findings from the 2024 World Hypertension Day screening among FCTA staff and residents revealed about 34% of the target audience having hypertension.
She added that in the Territory, there is the desire to increase population screening, linkage to care and promotion of healthy lifestyle modifications, prompt and appropriate management.
She therefore reiterated that checking one’s blood pressure is the best way to know if one have high blood pressure from a reputable health services provider, which will help to reduce significantly, the rising impact of avoidable deaths annually and years of life lost or lived with disability.
The HSES Secretary also opined that the observance of the BP Day highlights the rising global burden, severe complications, and broad impact of high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and premature death, which underscores the need for more collaborative actions across sectors and disciplines to raise awareness, promote its prevention, early detection, effective management, and control.
According to her, global statistics revealed an increasing burden of hypertension with an estimated 1.13 billion aged 30-79 years worldwide reported to have hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
“Sadly, an estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition, less than half (42%) with hypertension are diagnosed and treated. The rising prevalence of hypertension, especially in Africa is due mainly to a rise in hypertension risk factors in their populations.
“Hypertension is also a significant health issue in Nigeria. Several studies have showed that 3-4 out of 10 people are diagnosed hypertensive while only 2 of 10 diagnosed have it under control. National statistics ranges between 31.2% to 38% with women more affected.
“We recognize our share of the national hypertension in the FCT and are committed to addressing the health disparities that heighten hypertension risks, particularly among indigenous populations, urban dwellers, and those affected by lifestyle shifts, overweight, physical inactivity, tobacco use, alcohol, unhealthy diets, and high salt intake.
“In alignment with the World Hypertension League and WHO targets to diagnose 80% of people through screening, ensure that 80% of diagnosed are treated and 80% of those treated have controlled blood pressure (BP) by 2030, the Health Services and Environment Secretariat has partnered with various partners in hypertension management and control space.
“For this to be achieved, substantial improvements from the current prevalence of BP control are needed, thereby deploying robust measures for opportunistic BP screening which can help to improve access to BP monitoring in the light of inadequate health care workers”, she stressed.
She adds: “On behalf of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State, Dr. Mahmoud Mariya, I extend our deepest congratulations to all governmental agencies and partners who work tirelessly to prevent, manage, and control hypertension globally, in Nigeria and specifically in the FCT.
“We acknowledge the World Health Organization (WHO), Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation (HSDF), Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Population Services International (PSI), Environment for Health Development Initiative (E4HDI), Women Friendly Initiatives (WFI), Nestle Water, Abuja and others.
“Through the Non-Communicable Disease program of the Public Health Department, Disease Control Department of Primary Health Care Board and Hospitals Management Board, the Health Secretariat is open to partnerships that establish a strong response to the hypertension burden in the FCT.
“Some notably deployed and robust ongoing framework include empowering primary health care workers and facilities through the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria (HTN) Program supported by the Cardiovascular research Centre, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in 60 PHCs serving as a model for delivering integrated hypertension care and low-cost medications in primary care; the Nigeria Packaged for Essential Non-Communicable Diseases (N-PEN) project in 12 PHCs, supported by WHO and Health Heart Africa project in 19 PHCs supported by PSI , to deliver essential hypertension interventions at the primary care level.
“Additionally, efforts to expand the availability and affordability of blood pressure-lowering drugs through wider coverage under the FCT health insurance scheme and community -based health insurance schemes are being intensified.
“This year’s World Hypertension Day activities include screenings in three Area Councils, community actions, FCTA satellite offices, media sessions to provide residents with accurate information, and need for individuals regularly monitor their blood pressure. These activities demonstrate our commitment to enhancing the quality of care for the FCT residents.
“As we celebrate our achievements, our efforts do not stop there, let us remember that reduction of risk factors and maintenance of health at every level is key. “
