Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, expressed concern over the escalating prevalence of hypertension, which is causing significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden among the population.
Speaking at the 24th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Hypertension Society, Abayomi noted that the alarming statistics, including a 30% prevalence of hypertension among Nigerian adults, highlight the need for urgent attention.
He emphasized the importance of awareness and regular blood pressure checks, as hypertension often exhibits no symptoms, and early detection is crucial for effective management.
The conference, themed “Management of Hypertension in a Depressed Economy,” also addressed the emerging issue of hypertension in children.
“So as a government, we are very cognizant of the significant prevalence of metabolic diseases, rising incidence of hypertension being of major concern, and sugar intolerance, diabetes.
“And the statistics are getting a little bit alarming,” he mentioned.
Professor Abayomi, an academic, has long pondered the factors driving the high rates of hypertension among Africans, noting that traditionally, Africans had a low-salt diet, ate infrequently, and maintained an active lifestyle, making the current prevalence of hypertension a puzzling phenomenon.
“Now, that whole paradigm of lifestyle has changed. And I think that is why we are beginning to see the kind of prevalence that we are seeing now,” he said.
Abayomi acknowledged the economic impact of escalating costs of health care and access to drugs, stressing that the government was working assiduously to stabilise the cost of medication.
“The Lagos State Government is about to establish a drug management agency, which will not only create an avenue for us to cost-contain, but it will also promote the production locally of generic drugs for metabolic diseases so that we can stabilise the cost of drugs,” he noted.
The professor mentioned that the governor has recently signed an executive order adopting the National Health Insurance Authority Act, making health insurance compulsory for all citizens, and that the necessary guidelines to implement this policy are currently being developed.
“The consequence of that is that you will have access to a minimum service package which includes metabolic diseases and particularly diabetes and hypertension”.
The commissioner stressed the importance of raising awareness about hypertension, a stealthy condition that causes widespread damage, severe illness, and death, imposing a significant burden on the government, society, institutions, and families.
Similarly, Prof. Bala Audu, President of the Nigerian Medical Association, highlighted hypertension as a global health concern affecting 1.28 billion adults, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
He advocated for prevention through awareness, early detection, and lifestyle changes, and urged the Federal Government to make medicines for non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, more affordable and encourage local production of generic products.
Prof. Simeon Isezuo, President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, noted that the conference provides a platform to discuss contemporary challenges in addressing hypertension in Nigeria, emphasizing the timely choice of theme given the rising cost of medicines and the increasing burden of hypertension across all age groups. He commended the Federal Government’s recent policy removing taxes on imported pharmaceutical products.
Prof. Adebowale Adekoya, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, acknowledged hypertension as a persistent health challenge in Nigeria, complicated by the current economic climate, highlighting the need for effective management strategies.
