Professor Simeon Isezuo, the President of the Hypertension Society of Nigeria, has advised Nigerians to obtain user-friendly blood pressure measurement devices for the early detection of hypertension among Nigerians.
Isezuo, a cardiologist and former head of medicine at Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), gave the advice in an interview with the Newsmen on Wednesday in Sokoto.
He urged the government at all levels to recognise and encourage individuals to possess the device and facilitate training on using it in order to support their immediate settlements.
He said the society has commenced preparation for the 2024 World Hypertension Day Celebration, which is coming on May 17, 2024, with the theme ‘’Know Your Numbers.’’
According to him, the society has visited the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and tested his blood pressure as a symbol to sensitise Nigerians.
He explained that the society was established to promote awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and control of hypertension and encourage research in the area.
He reiterated that hypertension is so common in Nigeria that everyone is either affected or has someone who is affected.
Isezuo regretted that many people with hypertension are unaware of having the condition, and only a few of those who are aware enrol in treatment or are properly treated.
The President explained that hypertension is a driver of non-communicable diseases, leading to stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and heart attack, with attendant mortality and disability.
He further solicited media support for raising awareness of hypertension, which has silently killed and disabled many Nigerians in their productive years more than any disease.
Isezuo expressed concern about the rising cost of medicines in Nigeria and commended the Federal Government for prioritising the health sector and its plan to pool the procurement of medicines.
He described the efforts as suitable for achieving Universal Health Coverage and encouraged the private sector and philanthropists to endow funds for enrolling less privileged Nigerians with hypertension in health insurance schemes.
He emphasised the need for the return of a traditional African active lifestyle and the consumption of a traditional diet derived from roots, stems, and leaves with little or no salt, sugar or saturated fats as a means of preventing hypertension.
He also advocated the introduction of a non-communicable disease tax on unhealthy foods and appropriate food salt content labels on packaged foods.
Newsmen report that Isezuo was newly elected as the society’s president at the 23rd Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Abuja.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
cardiologist
