The Nigerian Hypertension Society (NHS) says less than 2.5 per cent of Nigerians living with hypertension successfully manage to keep their blood pressure under control.
The President of the NHS, Prof. Simeon Isezuo made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during the 2025 World Hypertension Day (WHD) commemoration, themed “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.”
WHD is marked annually on May 17 to raise awareness about the prevention, early detection, and treatment of hypertension.
According to Isezuo, one in every three adults in urban areas and one in every four adults in rural areas in Nigeria has hypertension.
“Only about one-third of Nigerians with hypertension are aware of their condition.
“This is largely because hypertension shows no symptoms. Only about 10 per cent of those affected are on treatment, and in fact, less than 2.5 per cent achieve blood pressure control,” he said.
He warned that many Nigerians with uncontrolled hypertension were at increased risk of severe complications, including stroke, kidney disease, heart failure, and heart attack.
Describing the figures as a public health crisis, Isezuo noted that many Nigerians had never measured their blood pressure or had access to accurate devices.
He urged Nigerians to regularly check their blood pressure during every healthcare visit, at home, or in nearby health facilities.
To prevent and manage hypertension, he recommended adopting a healthy lifestyle, including low salt, sugar, and fat intake; high consumption of fruits and vegetables; regular physical activity; quitting smoking; and moderating alcohol consumption.
“We encourage the Federal Government to expedite action on taxing unhealthy products and promoting healthier lifestyle choices,” he said.
Isezuo added that the NHS was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health on translational research to develop Nigeria-specific, evidence-based treatment protocols.
The NHS is also partnering with New Heights Pharma Ltd (OMRON Healthcare Nigeria) to promote regular and accurate blood pressure monitoring, including home-based checks.
Additionally, the society is working with mDoc Healthcare Ltd to provide ongoing professional development for health workers through national webinars focused on hypertension.
By Justina Auta
