The Federal Government has expressed concern over the widespread underdiagnosis of hypertension in Nigeria, warning that this is contributing significantly to the country’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Health, Dr. Salma Anas raised the alarm on Monday in Abuja during the opening of the 25th Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting of the Nigerian Hypertension Society.
The conference, themed “Scaling up Hypertension Control in Nigeria: Policies, Health Systems and Practice,” brought together experts and stakeholders to address gaps in detection, treatment, and prevention.
Represented by her Technical Adviser, Mr. Umar Tanko, Anas cited data showing that nearly one in three Nigerian adults has hypertension—yet a large number remain unaware of their condition. Even among those diagnosed, she noted, blood pressure control remains disturbingly low.
She attributed this to several factors, including the high cost of medication, limited healthcare access, and inadequate financial protection for patients.
“Hypertension is not just a physical ailment; it’s a threat to national productivity, stability, and sustainable development,” Anas stated.
She added that the Federal Government is ramping up efforts to tackle the issue through a range of structural reforms. These include:
- Integrating hypertension screening into primary healthcare services
- Implementing health insurance reforms
- Launching a national health sector strategic development plan
- Expanding the Global Action on Non-Communicable Diseases (GAC) platform
- Enhancing financial protection for patients needing lifelong hypertension care
Anas also said steps are being taken to strengthen vascular and surgical care, reduce dependency on imported drugs, and ensure a stable supply of high-quality medications.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Simon Isezuo, President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, described hypertension as a “silent killer” and a major public health challenge.
He noted that many Nigerians are unaware they have the condition, and among those receiving treatment, fewer than 10% achieve adequate blood pressure control.
“This is why stroke, kidney disease, heart failure, and sudden death are on the rise,” Isezuo said. “Uncontrolled hypertension is often the root cause.”
He called for a national push to improve public awareness, expand diagnosis, reduce salt intake—a key risk factor—and promote lifestyle changes like regular physical activity.
Also speaking, Prof. Batsen Onwubere highlighted the economic burden of managing hypertension due to its chronic nature and Nigeria’s dependence on imported medications.
While acknowledging the Federal Government’s effort to promote local drug manufacturing, he warned that exchange rate instability continues to affect affordability.
He noted that although the National Health Insurance Agency has improved access to care, coverage remains limited.
“The Society continues to engage government, philanthropists, and the public to tackle the burden of hypertension in Nigeria,” Onwubere said.
The two-day conference will conclude on Tuesday.
