The Osun State Government has expressed deep concern over the growing prevalence of hypertension across the state and is calling for intensified collaboration among health stakeholders to combat the silent health threat. This concern was raised on Friday in Osogbo, the state capital, during a sensitisation event organised to commemorate the 2024 World Hypertension Day, which had as its theme, “Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer.”
Speaking at the event, the Osun State Commissioner for Health, Jola Akinola, described hypertension as a major public health challenge that is not only claiming lives silently but also increasing the burden of non-communicable diseases on the healthcare system. He emphasized the need for sustained awareness campaigns and community outreach, especially in underserved and remote areas, where many residents remain unaware of their health status.
Akinola warned that a significant percentage of individuals living with hypertension—about 50 percent—are not aware they have the condition. This ignorance, he said, exposes them to dangerous but avoidable health complications such as stroke, heart disease, and chronic kidney issues, all of which are linked to uncontrolled blood pressure.
“Globally, over one billion people are affected by hypertension. In Nigeria, current research indicates a prevalence rate of 33 percent. Several risk factors have been identified, including physical inactivity, high salt and fat consumption, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake,” he said.
He further noted, “Sadly, half of those affected do not even know they are hypertensive. This makes them highly susceptible to complications and in some cases, sudden death. We must therefore work together to increase access to blood pressure checks, encourage compliance with medications, and foster healthy living.”
The commissioner called for increased mobilization of healthcare workers to conduct regular screenings, community-based education, and sensitisation efforts. He stressed the need for people to adopt healthier lifestyles and be proactive about their health to avoid preventable complications.
Echoing the commissioner’s message, the World Health Organisation (WHO) representative in Osun State, Dr. Oluwatoyin Ojediran, highlighted the critical role of accurate and consistent blood pressure monitoring in preventing hypertension-related diseases. She urged all relevant parties to support initiatives that promote healthy dietary habits and regular exercise.
Dr. Ojediran added that with collective action and public health education, it is possible to significantly reduce the incidence of hypertension and improve the overall health of citizens.
As part of the ongoing campaign, the state government is expected to partner with local health institutions and community leaders to facilitate more outreach programmes aimed at early detection and prevention of high blood pressure, particularly in rural communities.