Korede Abdullah in Lagos
As part of its commitment to preventive healthcare, Avon HMO organized a free hypertension screening and awareness event tagged No Tension in Marina, Lagos.
The outreach, which forms a key part of the health management organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), aimed to combat the growing prevalence of hypertension by encouraging Nigerians to “know their numbers.”
Attendees who trooped out yesterday in numbers, benefited from free blood pressure checks, one-on-one medical consultations, and health education sessions.
With over 30% of Nigerian adults reportedly living with high blood pressure, according to the Nigerian Cardiac Society, the event sought to address a silent epidemic that often goes undetected until serious complications arise.
Avon HMO’s CEO, Osa Imasogie, emphasized the importance of access and awareness in curbing chronic illnesses.
“At Avon HMO, we believe that staying healthy shouldn’t be a privilege. That’s why initiatives like No Tension are essential, not just to raise awareness, but to bring healthcare directly to the people. Knowing your blood pressure is a simple step that can save your life,” he said.
Echoing this, Dr. Adeyinka Adeyemi, Group Head of Medical Services, stressed the urgency of education. “Hypertension is often called the ‘silent killer’ because many people don’t know they have it. This outreach is about demystifying the condition and showing people that managing it is possible, especially when detected early.”
The outreach screened hundreds of Lagos residents, many of whom were referred for further medical follow-up. Informational materials were distributed, and participants were guided on lifestyle modifications to reduce health risks. One beneficiary, Mrs. Adejoke Kareem, a trader, expressed gratitude: “I didn’t any premonition that my blood pressure was this high until I conducted this test today. It was my daughter who convinced me to go and see what was they are doing here, and I very grateful that I am one of those who got checked. A team of medical professionals doctors explained everything I am supposed to know as a lay person.”
The No Tension initiative forms part of Avon HMO’s broader Chronic Disease Management agenda, reaffirming its vision that health insurance should not only treat illnesses but also prevent them.
