Osun

Osun Govt Raises Alarm Over Rising Hypertension Cases, Calls For Stakeholder Action

BySodiq Lawal

PublishedMay 16, 2025

The Osun State Government has expressed concern over the increasing number of hypertension cases across the state and called for a united front among stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns and preventive measures.

Speaking on Friday in Osogbo during the commemoration of the 2024 World Hypertension Day, the Commissioner for Health, Jola Akinola, described hypertension as a “silent killer” that has become a major public health concern.

The event, themed “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,” was aimed at sensitising residents, particularly those in underserved communities, on the importance of regular blood pressure checks.

Akinola noted that about 50 per cent of individuals living with hypertension are unaware of their condition, which puts them at risk of avoidable complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

“Hypertension is a major risk factor for many deadly conditions and it continues to claim lives quietly. The tragedy lies in the fact that many of those affected do not even know they have it,” he said.

The Commissioner added that more than one billion people globally are living with hypertension, citing studies which put Nigeria’s prevalence at 33 per cent.

He identified poor lifestyle habits such as physical inactivity, high salt and fat intake, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption as key contributors.

He said, “The challenge before us now is to collaborate more effectively — health workers, community leaders, NGOs, and government agencies — to ensure residents are well-informed. People need to get their blood pressure checked regularly, especially in our rural communities.”

Akinola also disclosed that the state government would step up outreach efforts to ensure that citizens, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, receive proper education on managing their blood pressure and adhering to prescribed medications.

Also speaking at the event, the Osun State representative of the World Health Organisation, Dr Oluwatoyin Ojediran, echoed the Commissioner’s concerns and emphasised the need for stakeholders to promote healthier lifestyle choices.

She stated, “This year’s theme highlights the need for accurate monitoring. Early detection remains the best way to prevent the devastating consequences of hypertension. We must work together to build a healthier population.”

The event featured free blood pressure screenings, health talks, and distribution of educational materials to participants.

The Health Ministry said it would continue to partner with relevant agencies to scale up preventive health education across the state.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that hypertension remains one of the leading causes of sudden deaths in Nigeria, with health experts warning that continued negligence could further strain the country’s fragile healthcare system.

Sodiq Lawal

Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.