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| World Hypertension Day: Escalating Drug Prices, a Menace to Treatment — Experts |
The Nigerian Hypertension Society (NHS) has thus called on healthcare providers to judiciously utilize the most cost-effective, accessible, and safe medications for hypertension treatment.
As the globe marks World Hypertension Day, experts in Nigeria's healthcare sector have pinpointed the escalating cost of hypertension medication as a significant worry and a possible hindrance to the benefits expected from hypertension management programs.
The Nigerian Hypertension Society (NHS) has thus called on healthcare providers to judiciously utilize the most cost-effective, accessible, and safe medications for hypertension treatment.
The society's president, Prof. Simeon Isezuo, announced this in Abuja on Thursday, urging the government to implement measures to reduce drug prices and promote local production.
Prof. Isezuo highlighted hypertension as a primary cause of stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and heart attacks, often leading to death or disability. He encouraged the private sector, philanthropists, and religious groups to aid the underprivileged by financing their treatment and incorporating them into health insurance programs.
Observed annually on May 17 since 2005, World Hypertension Day aims to raise awareness and encourage the prevention, detection, and management of hypertension. This year's theme is "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer," which Prof. Isezuo emphasized is particularly relevant in Nigeria, where one in three adults suffers from hypertension.
He noted that hypertension often presents no symptoms until significant damage occurs, with many individuals unaware of their condition and only a minority of those diagnosed receiving treatment.
Prof. Isezuo also mentioned that the majority of patients under treatment fail to maintain normal blood pressure levels, primarily due to inconsistent medication adherence.
Addressing the growing prevalence of hypertension, Prof. Isezuo attributed it to inactive lifestyles and diets high in salt, fats, and sugars. He advised consuming traditional African foods sourced from roots, stems, and leaves, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining an ideal weight to prevent hypertension.
He proposed taxing unhealthy foods to reduce their consumption and called for legislation mandating clear labeling of salt, fat, and sugar content on food packaging.
Concurrently, the coordinating Health Minister, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, stated that hypertension is both preventable and detectable, with straightforward treatment options available.
For those undergoing treatment, the minister recommended adherence to medication and following their healthcare provider's guidance.
He stressed that embracing a healthy lifestyle is a crucial approach for everyone.
"Commit to at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. For example, opt for stairs over elevators, or walk rather than taking the bus for short distances. Regular exercise alleviates stress, maintains fitness, regulates body weight, and reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes," the Minister advised.
