The Anambra State Government has introduced free hypertension checks across primary healthcare centres and general hospitals across the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, who disclosed this during a press briefing held in Awka, said that the commemoration provides them with another opportunity to raise awareness about hypertension, which is one of the deadliest non-communicable diseases in society.
ROYAL NEWS reports that the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo; the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Pharmacist Chisom Uchem; and the Head, Planning, Research, and Statistics in the ministry, Mrs. Edith Nwachukwu, were also present during the briefing.
Dr. Obidike reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Charles Soludo’s administration to partnering with partners and stakeholders in eradicating hypertension threats.
He said that hypertension is the main cause of cardiovascular disease, and about one billion people are living with it globally.
According to him, the administration of Gov. Soludo identified it as a health threat, and his ministry is currently carrying out an aggressive campaign against the disease.
He explained that the current administration has introduced the Solution Know Your Number to checkmate hypertension.
“We have mapped out a proactive measure for adequate sensitization of Ndi Anambra to access medications they need for effective management and treatment of BP.
The Commissioner commended the World Health Organisation and Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative for their support while noting that untreated hypertension could lead to kidney disease and stroke.
Anambra State World Health Organisation Coordinator, Dr. Bonos Mohammed, said that they are partnering with the state to screen no fewer than three thousand people free of charge during the exercise and assured that they will continue to partner with the state.
The State Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator, Mrs. Adaku Ego, said that they have mapped out many events to commemorate the day, including free screening and treatment that commenced on May 16 and ended on May 17, radio and TV programmes, and road sensitization shows educating the public on hypertension.
The theme of the celebration is “measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, and live longer.”
