About 8.6m Lagos residents hypertensive – Health Commissioner

… 10 million die yearly

No fewer than 8.6 million residents of Lagos State have high blood pressure (HBP), representing 30 per cent of the population, according to available data. Records also show that approximately 10 million people die from hypertension each year.

This announcement was made by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, during a media briefing on the statewide screening and public health enlightenment campaign organized by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.

The Commissioner also announced that 800,000 residents have been targeted for a week-long free screening exercise commencing next week.

The campaign, titled “Know Your Numbers and Control Your Numbers”, is focused on raising awareness about hypertension and diabetes in Lagos State. Abayomi added that there are also 3.48 million residents living with obesity, while another 1.73 million have diabetes.

He stressed the importance of regular check-ups and testing, as hypertension and diabetes can lead to severe health issues such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.

The commissioner stated that the campaign was an initiative of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum aimed at raising awareness and providing free screenings for these two critical diseases.

The nationwide target is to screen 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes, with Lagos State aiming to screen 800,000 residents. The campaign will be carried out in 300 primary health centers and 30 general hospitals throughout the state.