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Nigeria Faces Urgent Hypertension Crisis, Researcher Warns
By Kemi Akintokun
A cardiovascular disease researcher, Aminat Dosunmu, has called for immediate national action to tackle Nigeria’s growing burden of hypertension.
In her report on Wednesday, ‘Hypertension: Nigeria’s Silent Epidemic – An Urgent Call for National Action,’ Dosunmu warned the condition is one of the deadliest health threats.
She said between 27 million and 39 million Nigerian adults live with high blood pressure, with prevalence ranging from 22 to 44 per cent across regions.
Noting hypertension as a “silent killer,” she explained it often shows no symptoms until severe complications, including stroke, kidney disease, heart failure, or sudden death occur.
“Despite its scale, awareness remains low. Only about 29 per cent of Nigerians with hypertension know their status,” she said, adding treatment and control rates are 12–33 per cent.
Dosunmu attributed rising numbers to genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors, including high salt intake, low physical activity, obesity, alcohol, smoking, and growing socioeconomic stress.
“The cost of inaction is already evident. Hypertension is no longer just a medical issue; it is a development crisis for Nigeria.
“When millions live with uncontrolled blood pressure, consequences ripple beyond hospitals into families, workplaces and the entire economy,” she said.
Prevention, Dosunmu noted, requires lifestyle changes supported by population-wide interventions, community screenings, and stronger public awareness campaigns.
She urged government to prioritise hypertension control through strengthened primary healthcare, free or subsidised blood pressure checks, and medications.
Dosunmu also called for establishing a National Blood Pressure Surveillance System to monitor and guide national efforts. (NAN)
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