The Nigerian Hypertension Society (NHS) is urging the federal government and the National Health Insurance Agency to make blood pressure medication more accessible and cheaper. Prof. Simeon A. Isezuo, the president of the society, highlighted that the steep price of life-saving drugs is hindering patients from managing their chronic condition during a period of economic hardship.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Prof. Isezuo noted that one in every three Nigerian adults suffers from hypertension, yet fewer than 20 percent successfully control their levels. This gap leads to severe health risks, including strokes, heart failure, and kidney disease. He described the condition as a silent killer because it often presents no warning signs.
The NHS conference served as a platform for medical professionals and policymakers to devise better care strategies. Prof. Isezuo encouraged citizens to regularly check their blood pressure and avoid spreading medical misinformation online. Additionally, Prof. Chizindu Alikor of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital emphasized that hypertension is a leading cause of maternal mortality, calling for expanded screening and early intervention to prevent further loss of life.
