Nigeria Cardiovascular Research Hub

Nigeria Cardiovascular Research Hub A page dedicated to research into cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, involving Nigerian scientists and medical universities.

Nasarawa calls for regular hypertension screening as cases soarNasarawa State Government has called for regular screenin...
02/11/2024

Nasarawa calls for regular hypertension screening as cases soar

Nasarawa State Government has called for regular screening to address the increasing cases of hypertension recorded across the 13 local government areas of the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Gaza Gwamna, made the call on Friday in Lafia during a press briefing to mark World Hypertension Day, 2024 tagged ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer’.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr John Damina, the commissioner said the state government had decided to embark on mass awareness campaigns and screenings to support residents suffering from the disease.

He stated, “We are worried about the increasing cases of hypertension, also known as High Blood Pressure. We are worried because we know that it is dangerous, and it is something that does not give symptoms, particularly when it is still at the primary stage.

“As we observe World Hypertension Day today, let us recommit ourselves to promoting cardiovascular health, raising awareness about hypertension, and encouraging individuals to take proactive steps in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.”

Hypertension has been identified as one of the major sicknesses affecting Nigerians as no fewer than one out of three persons, especially adults currently suffer from health conditions in the country.

The President, the Nigerian Society of Hypertension, Professor Simeon Isezuo, stated this on Thursday in Sokoto during a press briefing at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto as part of activities to celebrate the 2024 World Hypertension Day.

He said the exercise aims to raise awareness and promote the early detection and treatment of hypertension.

Gwamna added, “This is particularly significant in Nigeria where one of every three adults has hypertension. It has no symptoms until serious damage has been done to the body.

“Many people with this condition are unaware of having it and only a few of those who are aware are on treatment while many of them don’t take their medicines regularly

While identifying hypertension as the leading cause of stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and heart attack resulting in death or disability of people, the commissioner said the sickness is, however, preventable and treatable.

Nigeria may witness rise in depression, hypertension as food crisis worsens – PhysiciansDaily, as Nigeria’s food crisis ...
01/11/2024

Nigeria may witness rise in depression, hypertension as food crisis worsens – Physicians

Daily, as Nigeria’s food crisis worsens amid rising economic hardship, senior medical practitioners are concerned that the situation could drive many Nigerians into depression and increase the number of people living with hypertension.

They noted that persistent hunger is dangerous and does a lot of harm to the body, making it susceptible to diseases due to low immunity.

The maternal and mental health experts noted that hardship, hunger, and poverty are major social determinants of health and can significantly impact an individual’s mental and physical well-being.

The organised private sector recently blamed worsening insecurity in the country on food inflation, which rose to 40.87 per cent in June 2024, up from 25.25 per cent in June 2023.

Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Monday showed that the rise in food inflation in June 2024 represented a 15.62 per cent point increase year-on-year and a 2.55 per cent rise month-on-month.

The professors said that due to the prevailing harsh economy in the country, many households were finding it difficult to have three square meals.

They warned the Federal Government not to ignore the United Nations’ prediction that 82 million Nigerians, which is about 64 per cent of the country’s population, may go hungry by 2030.

Meanwhile, a global non-governmental organisation, the International Rescue Committee, recently added Nigeria as one of the spots for food insecurity action against hunger.

The United Nations World Food Programme also indicated that over 32 million Nigerians are expected to face a critical hunger crisis and emerging levels between June and August.

The physicians, therefore, urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the food insecurity across the nation.

The experts, who spoke exclusively to PUNCH Healthwise warned that hunger and malnutrition would trigger higher rates of non-communicable diseases and depression that would be difficult to manage amid the ailing health sector and shortage of health workers.

A retired Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the University of Ibadan, Oladipo Otolorin, said the food crisis in the country calls for serious attention, lamenting that Nigeria has a young population that is largely dependent on other people for survival.

The expert, who is the President of the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association, noted that the food crisis would affect every age group in the country with children being the worst hit.

The maternal health explained, “Children will be the most affected because they are growing and they need a high protein diet to keep growing and if they don’t get it, they lose weight. They will become stunted and won’t reach their full potential.

“For the older population, they are also going to lose weight and would be psychologically affected. Many of them will go into depression and some will go and have anger manifestations.

“People may even commit su***de if they can’t help themselves. We should expect more psychiatric illnesses and this can translate into crime in society. Hypertension will be on the rise.”

The don further said many of these young people are dependent on their parents for food, transportation, clothing, and everything.

Continuing, he said young people are prone to crime when there is poverty and hunger in the land, while children are at higher risk of malnutrition and Kwashiorkor.

Otolorin warned, “If the food insecurity is not addressed, Nigeria will look like a war-torn area. Adults will also have malnutrition because when you don’t have the money to buy the kind of food required, you begin to see people take fewer meals; instead of three square meals, they start taking two or one meal per day.

“With that kind of nutrition, you begin to see weight loss, and the spirit of survival will drive some people into criminality.
“If people go around and they can’t find food to eat, they can start stealing and they can start all kinds of criminal activities such as burglary and kidnapping. So we are sitting on a keg of gunpowder. A hungry man is an angry man.”

The don urged the President to address worsening insecurity if Nigeria is to overcome its current food shortage and rising prices of commodities.

He also appealed to the government at all levels to put machinery in place to address food insecurity.

Speaking with our correspondent, the President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Professor Taiwo Obindo, said people may have to watch their stress levels as they struggle to make ends meet, to avoid harming their health.

Jigawa offers free healthcare to hypertension, diabetes, sickle cell patientsThe Jigawa State Government said hypertensi...
31/10/2024

Jigawa offers free healthcare to hypertension, diabetes, sickle cell patients

The Jigawa State Government said hypertension, diabetes and sickle cell patients will receive free healthcare services in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Sagir Musa, made this known in a statement in Dutse, the state capital, on Friday.

Musa said the State Executive Council, during its meeting on Thursday, approved that the state programme for Free Maternal Neonatal and Child Healthcare should also cover people with hypertension, diabetes and sickle cell for free treatment in all government-owned hospitals across the 27 local government areas.

He explained that the council also approved the disbursement of N179.2 million as Direct Facility Financing to the accredited Primary Healthcare Centres.

Council, he said, also approved an additional 17 PHCs across the 281 political wards of the state for the first and second quarters of 2024 by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.

The commissioner added that N69.1 million was also approved for the payment of monthly stipend for 79 Midwives and Community Influencers, Promoters and Services (CHIPS Agents).

According to him, a work plan for the implementation of Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services Project presented by the Ministry of Health, was also approved.

“The IMPACT Project is supported by World Bank with a total amount of N1.2 billion only in the Work plan for the year 2024 for Jigawa for the revitalisation of 161 Primary Healthcare Centres in the state,” Musa said.

Why pregnant women wearing makeup risk hypertension -Gynaecologists Expectant mothers using makeup and personal care pro...
30/10/2024

Why pregnant women wearing makeup risk hypertension -Gynaecologists

Expectant mothers using makeup and personal care products may have to put a stop to it to avoid developing hypertension, according to maternal health experts.

The gynaecologists pointed out that exposure to certain chemicals found in personal care products could lead to an increased risk of hypertension, a condition that could have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby.

Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the gynaecologists advised expectant mothers to be cautious when using hair dyes, nail polishes, and skincare creams, as they could contain harmful chemicals like lead, mercury, and parabens.

The warning comes as new research suggests that exposure to certain chemicals found in cosmetics and personal care products could lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy.

A recent study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that phenols and parabens, two common classes of chemicals found in many personal care products, could raise the risk of hypertension during pregnancy.

The new study revealed that phenols and parabens could raise the risk of developing high blood pressure by 57 per cent, and the risk is particularly high between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation.

The findings were based on health data of more than 1,000 pregnant women in northern Puerto Rico. To estimate the levels of 12 phenols and parabens, the researchers conducted a urine test on each participant.

They also estimated their systolic and diastolic blood pressure at two-time points, between 16–20 weeks and 24–28 weeks of pregnancy.

Reacting to the study, some maternal health experts who spoke with our correspondent, noted that many makeup and personal care products contain a cocktail of chemicals, some of which have been linked to health problems.

They stated that makeup and other skincare products may contain phenols and parabens, which could be absorbed through the skin or inhaled.

The gynaecologists explained that these chemicals had shown to interfere with hormone function, causing a range of health issues, including high blood pressure.

They stated that while makeup and personal care products may seem harmless, they could contain hidden dangers that might put the health of both the mother and the baby at risk.

A renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Joseph Akinde warned that pregnant women might face an elevated risk of hypertension due to exposure to certain makeup and personal care products.

The reproductive health expert who is a former Chairman of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, explained that some cosmetics and personal care items contain parabens, which are preservatives used to extend shelf life.

He noted that parabens had shown to mimic estrogen, a hormone that naturally rises during pregnancy.

According to him, elevated levels of estrogen could lead to water and salt retention, which may contribute to increased blood pressure.

While noting that high blood pressure during pregnancy is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, Akinde warned that hypertension could lead to severe complications such as preeclampsia and eclampsia, conditions that significantly threaten the health of both the mother and the baby.

When asked how high blood pressure in a pregnant woman could affect the baby, the reproductive health expert said maternal hypertension could lead to intrauterine growth restriction, where the baby does not grow as expected in the womb.

This condition, he added, could result in premature labour, which increases the risk of complications for the baby, including neonatal death.

“Parabens found in some make-up have been said to interfere with the hormone oestrogen which is normally found in pregnancy in very high levels. Oestrogen is known to cause water and salt retention. This may be the possible mechanism by which their use results in increased blood pressure in pregnancy.

“High blood pressure in pregnancy currently is one of the five leading causes of maternal death in pregnancy. High blood pressure in pregnancy is assessed with adverse effects for both baby and mother. On the part of the baby, it may result in growth restriction, premature labour intrauterine death and neonatal mortality,” he stated.

The maternal expert, however, urged pregnant women to be cautious when using makeup and personal care products.

In light of these risks, Akinde advised pregnant women to opt for safer alternatives, such as simple creams like coconut oil and Vaseline.

He emphasised the importance of avoiding drugs and chemicals that are not specifically recommended by healthcare providers, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy.

He added, “A safer alternative for pregnant women would include simple creams like coconut oil and Vaseline cream.

“Pregnant women are often advised to avoid the use of drugs and chemicals not recommended by their physician, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

“Pregnant women should always be counselled on the potential risks of damage to the growing fetus in the womb more so in the early stages of pregnancy and as much as possible avoid situations where the baby could be damaged through chemicals used by the mother at this stage of pregnancy.”

Corroborating his statement, a consultant gynaecologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Daniel Erinoso, noted that many personal care products, including some cosmetics, contain chemicals known as endocrine disruptors.

These substances, he explained, can interfere with the body’s hormonal system.

He said one group of these chemicals, known as parabens, were commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics to prevent bacterial growth.

He stated that during pregnancy, estrogen levels naturally increase to support fetal development, but excessive disruption of this balance can lead to complications.

The reproductive expert pointed out that elevated estrogen levels can cause the body to retain more water and salt, which in turn can increase blood pressure.

To minimise these risks, Erinoso recommended that pregnant women avoid products with known endocrine disruptors and opt for safer alternatives.

“It is essential for expectant mothers to be cautious about the personal care products they use.

“Choosing products free from parabens and other harmful chemicals can help reduce the risk of hypertension and other pregnancy-related complications,” he noted.

The expert also stressed the importance of awareness and education among pregnant women about the potential risks associated with exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy.

He maintained that by taking precautions and making informed choices, expectant mothers can reduce their risk of hypertension and ensure a healthy pregnancy.

He further said, “I understand that many women want to look and feel their best during pregnancy, but they must prioritise their health and safety.

“I will recommend they opt for natural, organic alternatives whenever possible and always read product labels carefully.”

lso speaking, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Kayode Ajenifuja, said chemicals like phenols and parabens, commonly found in makeup and plastic products, can lead to reduced blood flow to the placenta, causing the baby to fail to achieve its growth potential.

Ajenifuja, who is also a gynaecology oncologist warned that these chemicals can also cause inflammation and release reactive oxygen species, damaging the heart’s muscle cells and leading to high blood pressure.

The don stated, “The link has not been well elucidated but inflammation and the release of reactive oxygen species have been implicated. Some of these products cannot be totally avoided because they are found in many household products like plastic drinking bottles, and nylons (Some people use nylons to wrap hot foods like Amala, Eba and even Moin moin.

“The chemicals destroy the muscle cells of the heart from the reactive oxygen species that they produce.”

When asked how high blood pressure can affect a pregnant woman and her newborn, the physician added, “A high BP in pregnancy reduces the blood flow to the placenta, which leads to a reduced supply of nutrients to the growing baby. The result is that the baby fails to achieve its growth potential.

“The effects of high blood pressure on the mother are that it may lead to reduced blood supply to her kidneys, the placenta may separate prematurely from the uterus, called abruptio placentae, convulsion which medically is called eclampsia, liver damage, renal damage.”

The fellow of the West African College of Surgeons, however, advised pregnant women to avoid makeup products containing harmful substances and opt for safer alternatives.

He also called on the government to restrict the importation of harmful substances and ensure proper labelling of products.

Meanwhile, the new research’s findings are concerning, as hypertension during pregnancy puts both the expectant mother and the fetus at risk.

While it is linked to reduced blood flow to the placenta, potentially leading to restricted growth, low birth weight, and premature birth in the fetus, it also raises the risk of preeclampsia and stroke in the expectant mother.

“We found chemicals in everyday soaps, lotions, makeup, sunscreen and other personal care products and consumer products that increased risk of hypertension,” study lead researcher Julia Varshavsky said in a news release.

Varshavsky noted that with women using an average of 12 personal care products a day, the findings are particularly concerning.

“And the fact that these can increase, the risk of hypertension during pregnancy is important because that sets the stage for lifelong health in both the mother and the child,” Varshavsky added.

The researchers believe that the rise in blood pressure could be linked to increased inflammation and oxidative stress caused by these chemicals. Additionally, the chemicals may disrupt hormones in the body, which are also involved in regulating blood pressure.

Based on their findings, the researchers recommend that pregnant women be cautious of their personal care products and ensure they use products labelled paraben-free. Around 80 per cent of personal care products use parabens.

“The good thing about phenols and parabens is that these chemicals have short biological half-lives, which means that we metabolise them relatively quickly. So, if we reduce our exposure, the levels in our bodies go down pretty quickly,” Varshavsky said.

FG to screen 10 million Nigerians for hypertension, diabetesThe Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum has announced the ina...
29/10/2024

FG to screen 10 million Nigerians for hypertension, diabetes

The Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum has announced the inauguration of “Project 10Million”.

The project is a nationwide health campaign designed to raise awareness and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension and diabetes.

Chairman of the NHCF and Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, Ekiti State, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Filani said that the campaign, with the theme “Know Your Number, Control Your Number” was aimed at screening 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes between October 28 and November 3.

He said that hypertension and diabetes had become significant health challenges in Nigeria, contributing to 27 per cent of all annual deaths.

He said that the probability of dying from these diseases between the ages of 30 and 70 was 17 per cent, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.

The commissioner said that the initiative had been endorsed by the Nigeria Governors Forum, and led by Health Commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory

According to him, the aim is to provide equitable access to healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.

He stressed the importance of this synchronised sub-national effort, describing it as a crucial step in addressing the rising burden of NCDs in the country.

“Citizens can visit public health service providers or outreach sites for free screenings, immediate counselling, and referrals to treatment facilities for ongoing care.

“With the growing impact of hypertension and diabetes, it is essential that we take decisive action to tackle these silent killers.

“Project 10Million represents a major effort to improve health outcomes for millions of Nigerians,” he said.

Filani said that the campaign aligned with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and reflected the Sector-Wide Approach compact signed with President Bola Tinubu.

He said that governors’ spouses and other stakeholders would also support the campaign, helping to raise public awareness and encouraging Nigerians to prioritise their health.

“The campaign will not only screen individuals, but will also work towards improving data collection on NCD prevalence.

“It will result to the creation of hypertension and diabetes registers across states, which will help shape future health policies and planning,” he said.

He outlined the project’s objectives, which include screening 10 million Nigerians during the campaign week, and providing counselling and referrals for individuals with sub-optimal results.

According to him, other objectives are linking newly detected cases to treatment, and raising public awareness about these life-threatening conditions.

“This initiative goes beyond just screening.

“It is about establishing a sustainable framework for the ongoing management of these diseases. Our goal is to detect, treat, and ultimately reduce the health burden on Nigerians,” he said.

He said that as the campaign unfolded, it would be expected to pave the way for more extensive health interventions in the future, positioning Nigeria as a country committed to improving the well-being of its citizens.

8.67 million Lagos residents living with hypertension, says AbayomiThe Lagos State Government has decried the increasing...
28/10/2024

8.67 million Lagos residents living with hypertension, says Abayomi

The Lagos State Government has decried the increasing cases of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in the country, revealing that no fewer than 8.67 million residents of the state are living with hypertension.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this on Friday during the launch of a state-wide free screening on hypertension and diabetes.

Abayomi further stated that about 3.48 million residents were living with obesity while another 1.73 million lived with diabetes.

The free screening exercise with the theme, ‘Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers’ will run from October 28 to November 3, 2024, across all local government areas in the state.

The campaign, an initiative under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum project, tagged, “Project 10 Million – Know Your Number, Control Your Number” seeks to combat the rising cases of cardiovascular diseases in the country, particularly hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

According to the commissioner, the state government will provide free screening to 800,000 residents within the period.

“We may even get more than 800,000 people who would have been tested at the end of the week,” he said.

The commissioner of the project aimed at promoting early detection, prevention, and control of cardiometabolic diseases

He maintained that it was important to do regular checkups, warning that the symptoms of hypertension and diabetes showed up when they became serious with dire consequences for the patient.

Abayomi cautioned that hypertension and diabetes not only killed but also caused damage to persons’ organs through stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure, among others.

“Knowing your vital health metrics empowers you to take timely actions and make the right decision concerning your health. Controlling them prevents complications that may arise from ignorance or neglect”, the commissioner added.

He urged the residents to key into the programmme and get tested to know their numbers and embrace healthy lifestyles such as reduced sugar, salt, and alcohol consumption, while warning against smoking.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, in her remarks, said the state government had done a lot in terms of free medical outreach to help people cope with their health challenges.

Lagos targets 800,000 for hypertension, diabetes screeningThe Lagos State Government has launched a free health campaign...
27/10/2024

Lagos targets 800,000 for hypertension, diabetes screening

The Lagos State Government has launched a free health campaign to screen no fewer than 800, 000 residents for hypertension and diabetes to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with the cardiovascular diseases that have been identified by experts as silent killers.

The free health screening programme with the theme, ‘Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers’ will run from October 28 to November 3, 2024, in the 30 general hospitals and over 300 primary healthcare centres across the state.

The health campaign is an initiative under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum nationwide project tagged, ‘10 Million Project; ”Know Your Numbers’ which is aimed at addressing the rising cases of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in the country.

Flagging off the campaign at a media briefing in Alausa-Ikeja, on Friday, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said the exercise would make health screening accessible to every resident in the state.

Abayomi explained,”This campaign represents a powerful effort in the fight against hypertension and diabetes, which often go undiagnosed until severe complications arise.
The don noted that the move underscored the commitment to proactive health-seeking behaviours among residents.

Abayomi described diabetes, obesity, and hypertension as silent killers, stressing that these conditions often progress without symptoms, quietly causing damage to organs like the heart, eyes, and kidneys.

“While diabetes, obesity, and hypertension may appear benign initially, they silently wreak havoc on the body, sometimes with deadly consequences,” he noted.

The commissioner emphasised the importance of regular health checks and encouraged residents to participate actively in the campaign to “know their numbers.”

In his presentation, Abayomi explained that a significant portion of the city’s 30 million residents’ population was living with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity with many unaware of their dire situations.

“With a hypertension prevalence rate of 30 percent, a staggering 8.67 million people in Lagos are affected by high blood pressure. Even more concerning, 70 percent of those living with hypertension, which amounts to over 6 million individuals, are completely unaware of their condition. Hypertension is a leading cause of heart disease, strokes, and kidney failure, making this lack of awareness particularly dangerous”, he said.

The commissioner added that obesity, a known contributor to both hypertension and diabetes, affects 3.48 million Lagosians, or 12 percent of the population, stressing that the rise in sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits was exacerbating the situation, with obesity acting as a gateway to other life-threatening illnesses.

He noted, “Diabetes is another major health issue plaguing the city, with a 6% prevalence rate—equating to 1.73 million residents. Shockingly, 50% of individuals with diabetes, approximately 865,500 people, are unaware that they have the condition. Undiagnosed and untreated diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney damage, and cardiovascular diseases.”

Abayomi described the early symptoms of diabetes, which include constant thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and slow-healing wounds. He explained that Hypertension, often asymptomatic in its early stages, may manifest later with headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or even chest pain.

The commissioner warned that the “silent killers” can strike unexpectedly, leading to severe health issues if left undiagnosed.

To support accessible healthcare, Abayomi said the state government through its social health insurance scheme – Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme, allows subscribers to access year-round check-ups for hypertension and diabetes on the standard premium package.

“We want to remove barriers to regular check-ups. This service aims to reduce long-term health complications through early diagnosis and lifestyle modification”, he added.

He noted that the Project 10 Million; “Know Your Numbers” campaign, currently being promoted across Lagos was expected to have significant public health benefits, considering Lagos’s high prevalence rates of these conditions.

“This campaign is aimed at encouraging residents to check their blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar levels “During the campaign week, Lagosians are invited to visit any of the state’s 300 primary health centers and 30 general hospitals to get screened. Free consultations will include tests for blood pressure, blood sugar, and BMI calculations, enabling citizens to understand and manage their health”, he said.

The commissioner also identified specific risk factors contributing to hypertension and diabetes including obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, age, and stress. He recommended a healthy lifestyle including eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, healthy weight maintenance, smoking cessation, and stress management as ways to defeat the silent killers.

“We strongly recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity to get a free health check-up at our public health facilities within the weeklong free health screening exercise next week. Beyond this, make it a habit to know and control your numbers—work closely with your doctors to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Start by focusing on lifestyle changes before considering medication, and remember that moderation is key. Live well, enjoy life, but always with balance”, he said.

In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, expressed concern about the tendency for individuals to overlook free health services due to a lack of awareness.

She pointed out that during the recently concluded Alaafia Eko outreach, where health services were provided to 24,000 Lagosians, many people failed to follow up on their health care. “We are seeing that free resources alone may not be enough.

“We need people to take ownership of their health, make regular check-ups a habit, and use available resources,” Ogunyemi said.

She also highlighted the importance of family health and urged parents to avoid introducing children to high-sugar foods that can lead to childhood obesity and other health issues later in life.

“Hypertension and diabetes can be hereditary, and even children are susceptible. We encourage parents to take their children for regular check-ups as well,” she said.

She urged Lagosians to not only know their numbers but also actively work towards keeping them within healthy ranges through lifestyle adjustments.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, shared his personal story on the importance of regular screenings.

He gave insight into the impact of daily stress, especially in high-pressure professions like journalism, and urged journalists to prioritise their health.

“The campaign is more than a health check,” he remarked, “It’s a call to every Lagosian to take proactive steps in managing their health.

“We are collectively taking a stand against the silent epidemic of hypertension and diabetes,” he said.

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