The Nigerian Hypertension Society (NHS) has highlighted concerns over the escalating costs of hypertension medications in the country, emphasising the need for increased awareness and access to treatment.
President of NHS, Simeon Isezuo, addressed these issues in a statement marking World Hypertension Day, underscoring the prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria.
Isezuo stressed the importance of early detection and treatment of hypertension, noting that many individuals with the condition are unaware of their status.
He emphasised the detrimental impact of untreated hypertension, citing its role as a leading cause of serious health complications such as stroke, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
Isezuo further highlighted the significance of regular medication adherence in managing hypertension effectively, cautioning against the risks of skipping routine treatments.
“Skipping routine medication can worsen hypertension’ Where prevention of hypertension is not possible or feasible, the emphasis should be on early detection. This requires regular blood pressure checks which is not possible without sustained public enlightenment to improve awareness about hypertension. The critical roles of the media in these regards, especially, in correcting widespread socio-cultural and social media propagated misconceptions about hypertension cannot be overemphasised,” he stated.
As the country observes World Hypertension Day on May 17th, the focus remains on promoting prevention, detection, and control of hypertension to safeguard the well-being of individuals across Nigeria.
