By Hassan Hussain
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to tackling hypertension through sustained awareness campaigns, policy implementation, and improved access to healthcare services across the country.
The Head of Cardiovascular Diseases and Tobacco Control at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Malau Toma, stated this in Abuja during
Public Health Awareness Walk in commemoration of 2026 World Hypertension Day.
Dr. Toma described hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, as a “silent killer” responsible for severe health complications, including stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness if left uncontrolled.
He emphasized the importance of regular blood pressure screening, early diagnosis, and strict adherence to prescribed medications for individuals living with the condition.
According to him, many patients discontinue their medications once their blood pressure stabilizes, a practice he warned could lead to a rebound in blood pressure levels and increase the risk of life-threatening complications.
Dr. Toma noted that awareness creation remains an ongoing process, stressing that misconceptions surrounding hypertension continue to hinder effective prevention and management efforts.
He advised Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles by engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, reducing the consumption of fats and oils, and avoiding tobacco products and excessive alcohol intake.
The Ministry of Health official further explained that the Federal Government has developed several policies and guidelines aimed at the prevention, detection, and management of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.
He added that Primary Healthcare Centres across the country have been strengthened to provide early diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated hypertension cases, while complicated cases are referred to higher healthcare facilities for specialized care.
Dr. Toma reaffirmed the government’s resolve to reduce the burden of hypertension and urged Nigerians to take advantage of available screening services to know their blood pressure status and seek prompt medical attention when necessary.
The Director of Programmes, Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL), Mr. Ademuyiwa Damilola who acknowledged ongoing government efforts to reduce the burden of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases on the nation’s health system stressed that more support is required to achieve lasting results.
According to him, development partners are collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health to accelerate progress through advocacy, technical assistance and strategic engagement with key government institutions, including the Ministry of Finance and the Presidency.
He emphasized the need for stronger political commitment and increased investment in hypertension programmes, noting that funding mechanisms similar to those established for HIV/AIDS and malaria should be extended to hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.
Damilola explained that adequate funding would enable health agencies to provide essential screening, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care services for patients living with hypertension.
He added that partners are also working closely with patient groups to ensure their concerns and experiences inform policy decisions and healthcare interventions.
Also Speaking, the
Senior Technical Adviser -Hypertention Control, Resolve To Save Lives (RTSL)
Dr. Onyekachukwu Osabiku
said the organisation is supporting hypertension control programmes in Kano and Ogun States in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, State Ministries of Health and Primary Health Care Development Agencies.
Dr. Osabiku said the collaboration is helping to create an enabling environment for the implementation of the Nigerian Hypertension Control Initiative, which is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health.
He noted that the programme, which began less than five years ago, has recorded progress in the participating states and could be expanded to other parts of the country based on state-level commitment and readiness.
Describing hypertension as a “silent killer,” Dr. Osabiku called for collective action among government agencies, development partners and people living with the condition to effectively control the disease.
He advised Nigerians aged 18 years and above to make regular blood pressure checks a priority, stressing that early detection remains key to preventing complications associated with hypertension.
Representative of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Suleiman Lamorde reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to supporting government efforts aimed at reducing the prevalence and impact of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases across Nigeria.
On the theme of this year world hypertension day, ” Controlling Hypertension Together; check your blood pressure regularly, defeat the silent killer”, some of the Development partners in the health sector called for stronger government commitment and increased funding to combat hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria.
“World Hypertension Day is observed annually to raise awareness about high blood pressure and promote measures aimed at preventing and controlling the condition”.
