At a public health awareness walk in Abuja, the Head of Cardiovascular Diseases and Tobacco Control at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Malau Toma, described hypertension as a major but often unnoticed threat to public health, warning that it remains one of the leading causes of severe medical emergencies in the country.
He referred to the condition as a “silent killer,” linking uncontrolled blood pressure to complications such as stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and even blindness.
Dr Toma stressed that prevention and early detection remain the most effective tools in reducing the burden of the disease, urging Nigerians to prioritize routine screening and strict adherence to prescribed medication.
According to him, a recurring challenge is patient non-compliance once blood pressure levels appear stable. He warned that stopping treatment prematurely could trigger dangerous rebounds in blood pressure, increasing the risk of life-threatening complications.
He also highlighted the need to correct widespread misconceptions about hypertension, noting that misinformation continues to undermine prevention efforts.
Lifestyle changes and stronger primary healthcare response
The ministry official advised Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular physical activity, balanced diets rich in fruits and vegetables, reduced intake of fats and oils, and avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
Dr Toma added that the Federal Government has developed policies and guidelines targeting non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, and has strengthened Primary Healthcare Centres nationwide to support early diagnosis and treatment.
He explained that while uncomplicated cases are managed at primary facilities, more severe cases are referred to higher-level hospitals for specialized care.
Partners push for increased funding and political commitment
Beyond government efforts, development partners and health advocates used the commemoration to call for stronger political will and increased investment in hypertension control.
The Director of Programmes at the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL), Mr Ademuyiwa Damilola, acknowledged ongoing government interventions but said additional support is required to achieve lasting impact.
He argued that funding mechanisms similar to those used for HIV/AIDS and malaria should also be extended to hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.
According to him, improved financing would allow health institutions to scale up screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care services for patients living with hypertension.
Damilola also noted that development partners are working closely with patient groups to ensure that lived experiences help shape health policies and interventions.
Ongoing pilot programmes show progress in select states
Speaking on current interventions, the Senior Technical Adviser for Hypertension Control at Resolve To Save Lives (RTSL), Dr Onyekachukwu Osabiku, said the organisation is supporting hypertension control programmes in Kano and Ogun States in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and state health authorities.
He said the initiative, part of the Nigerian Hypertension Control Initiative, is helping to strengthen systems for detection and treatment, with early results described as promising.
Dr Osabiku added that expansion to other states would depend on local government commitment and readiness, while emphasizing that sustained collaboration is essential for nationwide impact.
He again described hypertension as a “silent killer” and urged Nigerians aged 18 and above to make regular blood pressure checks a routine health habit.
Call for collective action as Nigeria marks awareness day
The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency also reaffirmed its support for ongoing efforts to reduce the burden of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases across the country.
This year’s theme, “Controlling Hypertension Together; check your blood pressure regularly, defeat the silent killer,” underscored calls for joint action between government agencies, development partners, and citizens.
Health stakeholders warned that without stronger funding and sustained political commitment, hypertension will continue to place a heavy burden on Nigeria’s healthcare system—despite being largely preventable and manageable through early detection and lifestyle changes.