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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

Bayelsa raises the alarm over rising cases of hypertension

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Bayelsa State's Ministry of Health is concerned about rising hypertension cases, noting many residents delay blood pressure checks until complications arise.
  • A previous screening revealed a 10-15% hypertension prevalence, particularly among older residents and males, highlighting the need for early detection.
  • The ministry is integrating hypertension screening into routine healthcare and expanding services to riverine communities via boat ambulances.
  • Public awareness campaigns using radio jingles and billboards are planned to encourage regular check-ups and adherence to medical advice.

Bayelsa State is facing a growing public health challenge as cases of hypertension surge, with health officials expressing alarm over residents' delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, the state's Commissioner for Health, revealed that a significant portion of the population, estimated between 10 to 15 percent in a recent screening exercise, suffers from hypertension. This rate is notably higher among individuals over 45 and 50 years old, and more prevalent in males. Brisibe emphasized that the disease often goes undetected for extended periods, leading to severe complications.

What we discovered is that the prevalence is about 10 to 15 per cent, most especially for those above 45, 50, and is a little bit higher among males.

— Prof. Seiyefa BrisibeThe Commissioner for Health disclosed the prevalence rates of hypertension discovered during a screening exercise.

"What we discovered is that the prevalence is about 10 to 15 per cent, most especially for those above 45, 50, and is a little bit higher among males," Brisibe stated. He further noted a concerning lack of habit among Bayelsans to regularly monitor their blood pressure or blood sugar levels. Late detection and a degree of denial among some patients are identified as major hurdles in managing both hypertension and diabetes effectively.

A lot of Bayelsans do not have the habit of checking their blood pressure or their sugar level at all.

— Prof. Seiyefa BrisibeThe commissioner highlighted the lack of regular health monitoring among residents.

In response, the Ministry of Health is implementing strategies to combat the escalating issue. Hypertension screening is being integrated into standard healthcare services, with free checks available at designated emergency ambulances in Yenagoa. This initiative will extend to remote riverine communities through the state's boat ambulance system. The commissioner urged all residents, especially those over 40, to prioritize regular monitoring of their blood pressure and glucose levels, and to adhere strictly to prescribed medications and medical advice for non-communicable diseases.

To further bolster these efforts, the state government plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Information to launch intensified public awareness campaigns. These will include radio jingles and billboards designed to educate the populace on the importance of regular health checks and healthy lifestyle choices. The ministry aims to foster a proactive health culture within the state, encouraging early intervention and better management of chronic conditions.

Please, regularly check your blood pressure, regularly check your glucose level, most especially for those above 40.

— Prof. Seiyefa BrisibeThe commissioner urged residents to prioritize regular health checks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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