The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has launched a nationwide hypertension screening campaign, aiming to raise awareness and detect early signs of high blood pressure in millions of Nigerians.
Tagged “Know Your Numbers, Save Your Heart,” the campaign will offer free blood pressure checks in hospitals, marketplaces, schools, and religious centers across all 36 states and the FCT over the next three months.
Dr. Ifeoma Balogun, Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the NCDC, stressed that hypertension remains one of Nigeria’s leading silent killers.
“Over 30% of adults in Nigeria are hypertensive — many don’t even know it. Early detection is critical,” she said during the launch in Abuja.
The campaign also includes:
- Health education on diet, exercise, and stress management
- Free consultations for high-risk individuals
- Partnerships with local radio stations for public health messaging in local languages
Medical experts applauded the initiative, noting that untreated hypertension can lead to stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage — often without any symptoms.
Citizens are encouraged to visit the nearest participating center or mobile health team to get screened and receive follow-up care if needed.
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