In commemoration of the 2025 World Hypertension Day, the Enugu State Government, in collaboration with Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria, has organised a three-day awareness rally aimed at sensitising and creating public awareness about the dangers of hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.
Obi Emmanuel Ikechukwu Commissioner for Heath Enugu, while speaking to the media, emphasised the importance of the theme of this year’s event: “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.”, urging residents to regularly check their blood pressure at recognised healthcare facilities.
Ikechukwu stated that an estimated 1.28 billion people worldwide suffer from the condition. and that about 46% of people are unaware of their status, putting them at risk of serious complications such as heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure, etc
“The purpose of World Hypertension Day is to educate and raise awareness about high blood pressure, a silent killer that often goes undetected,” he said. “We want to make it clear: a single blood pressure reading is not enough to diagnose hypertension. Only a qualified healthcare professional can make a clinical diagnosis after a series of accurate measurements and necessary tests.”
The Commissioner explained that the diagnosis of hypertension typically involves at least three blood pressure readings taken at specific intervals in a clinical setting. “Do not accept a diagnosis of hypertension unless it is made in a properly equipped health facility by a qualified healthcare provider,” he warned.
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Ikechukwu also reiterated that the theme of this year’s event was retained from last year due to its important. He noted that the theme showed the importance of proactive monitoring and effective management of blood pressure for long-term health and well-being.
He expressed appreciation to various stakeholders supporting the campaign against hypertension, particularly PSI Nigeria that played a very important role in promoting blood pressure checks and improving awareness in healthcare facilities across Enugu State.
“As a state, we are grateful to all our partners, including the Federal Ministry of Health and PSI Nigeria, for their continued support in tackling hypertension,” he added.
The rally is part of effort to ensure that residents understand the importance of accurate diagnosis and the need for regular blood pressure monitoring to prevent life-threatening complication.
