FG Unveils Hypertension Control Guidelines, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Regular Blood Pressure Checks
As hypertension continues to pose a growing public health threat in Nigeria, the Federal Government has intensified efforts to tackle the “silent killer” through new policies and guidelines aimed at early detection, management and prevention of the disease.
The initiative was unveiled during a public awareness road walk organised in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 World Hypertension Day, where health experts also called on Nigerians to make routine blood pressure checks part of their regular health culture.
Speaking at the event, Dr Malau M. Toma, Head of Cardiovascular Diseases and Tobacco Control under the Department of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said the theme for this year’s campaign, “Controlling Hypertension Together: Check your blood pressure regularly, defeat the silent killer,” highlights the urgent need for collective action against hypertension.
According to him, hypertension remains a major health challenge because many people are unaware they have the condition until complications occur.
“Hypertension is a silent killer that can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and blindness if not properly managed,” he said, stressing that regular screening and adherence to prescribed medication remain critical to controlling the condition.
Dr Toma disclosed that the Federal Government has strengthened primary healthcare centres nationwide to provide first-line diagnosis and management of uncomplicated hypertension cases.
He also advised Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles through regular physical exercise, reduced salt and fat intake, increased fruit consumption and avoidance of tobacco and nicotine products.
Also speaking, Dr Suleiman Lamorde, Head of Non-Communicable Diseases at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, described hypertension as one of the world’s fastest-growing health epidemics.
He said over 9,000 primary healthcare facilities across Nigeria have been equipped to manage uncomplicated hypertension, ensuring that every ward has access to a functional comprehensive healthcare centre.
Dr Lamorde urged adults from the age of 18 to begin regular blood pressure monitoring, especially individuals above 50 years or those with a family history of hypertension.
“Blood pressure checks are simple and free at many healthcare facilities. Even if you do not own a device, you can visit the nearest primary healthcare centre,” he said.
Development partners at the event, including Dr Ademuyiwa Damilola of the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development and Dr Onyekachukwu Osabiku of Resolve to Save Lives, commended government efforts but called for increased funding and stronger programmes targeting hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.
Dr Osabiku revealed that Resolve to Save Lives is currently supporting hypertension control programmes in Kano and Ogun States in collaboration with government agencies, with plans to expand the initiative to more states across the country.
The stakeholders collectively stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government, healthcare providers, development partners and citizens to reduce the burden of hypertension and improve healthcare outcomes nationwide.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp:w…https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n