According to the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL), a nationwide survey revealed that 38.1 per cent of Nigerian adults have hypertension, but only 12.4 per cent of those affected have their blood pressure controlled. This disparity is concerning, especially with the number of Nigerians living with hypertension projected to rise from 20.8 million in 2010 to 39.1 million by 2030.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that hypertension affects 6.8 per cent of adults below the age of 30. Cardiovascular diseases account for an estimated 29 per cent of deaths in Nigeria, making hypertension control a critical public health priority. LISDEL's findings underscore the need for urgent action to address this growing health issue.
LISDEL's Advocacy Partnership for Hypertension Financing and Patient Voice (APH-FiP) highlighted that awareness alone will not be enough to reduce deaths from high blood pressure if Nigerians cannot afford regular checks, medicines, and follow-up care. Most Nigerians pay out-of-pocket for blood pressure checks and medicines, with many forced to interrupt treatment when they run out of money.
The low health insurance coverage, particularly among informal sector workers, further limits access to care. This financial burden exacerbates the challenge of managing hypertension, emphasizing the need for policy changes to improve access to affordable healthcare services.
However, LISDEL pointed to the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria programme as evidence that better control is possible. The use of the WHO HEARTS package across 60 primary healthcare facilities increased hypertension control from 22 per cent in 2020 to 56 per cent in 2023. This success story demonstrates the potential for effective interventions when resources and support are provided.
LISDEL urged the federal government to strengthen hypertension screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up at primary healthcare centres. They also recommended ensuring functional blood pressure equipment, trained health workers, and steady supplies of essential medicines. Furthermore, LISDEL called on the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and state health insurance agencies to fully include hypertension consultations, essential diagnostics, and medicines in their benefit packages.
The organisation also recommended that the National Assembly strengthen oversight of health budget releases and support the proposed increase in Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) allocation from one to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Nigerians are also encouraged to check their blood pressure regularly, adhere to prescribed treatment, reduce salt and seasoning cube consumption, remain physically active, and enrol in health insurance schemes to manage hypertension effectively.
Key points
- Only 12.4 per cent of Nigerians with hypertension have their blood pressure under control.
- The number of Nigerians living with hypertension is projected to rise to 39.1 million by 2030.
- LISDEL urges the government to strengthen hypertension screening and treatment at primary healthcare centres.
