Isezuo, a Cardiologist and former Head of Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) said this in an interview with the Newsmen on Wednesday in Sokoto.
He called on Nigerians to always visit recognized healthcare facilities for periodic blood pressure tests.
Isezuo urged the government at all levels to encourage individuals possessing the device and facilitate training on using it in order to support their immediate settlements.
The president said that the society had commenced preparation for 2024 World Hypertension Day celebration slated for May 17, 2024 with a theme “Know Your Numbers’’.
According to him, the society has visited the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate and checked his blood pressure as a symbol to sensitize Nigerians.
Isezuo explained that the society was established to promote awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment and control of hypertension as well as encouraging research in the area.
He pointed out that hypertension is so common in Nigeria that everyone is either affected or has some one that is affected.
Isezuo regretted that many people with hypertension were unaware of having the condition, and only few of those who were aware enrolled on treatment or properly treated.
The president explained that hypertension was a driver of non-communicable diseases leading cause of stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and heart attack with attendant mortality and disability.
He further solicited for media support on awareness on hypertension that has silently killed and disabled many people in their productive years more than any disease.
Isezuo expressed concern on the rising cost of medicines and commended the Federal Government for prioritizing the health sector and its planned procurement of drugs.
He described the efforts as suitable for achieving Universal Health Coverage and encouraged the private sector and philanthropists to endow funds for enrolling less privileged people with hypertension into health insurance schemes.
Also Read :
. people die due to heat-aggravated conditions in Bangladesh
. 30% of Kano inmates empowered with skills to cater for family needs – NCoS
. Judiciary Man, 53, docked over alleged N720,000 land fraud
. Ikeja Electric slashes electricity tariff for Band A
. ICPC warns corps members against corrupt practices
Isezuo emphasized the need for the return of traditional Africans’ active lifestyles and consumption of traditional diets derived from roots, stems and leaves with little or no salt, sugar or saturated fats as means of prevention of hypertension.
He also advocated the introduction of non-communicable disease tax on unhealthy foods and appropriate food salt content labels on packaged foods.
Isezuo was elected as the society’s president at the just-concluded 23rd Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Abuja.
