Desmond Iwuchukwu
The Rivers State Government says it has improved its health facilities to control non-communicable diseases like Hypertension and other diseases in the state.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Health Prof Princewill Chike said this in a broadcast to mark the 2023 World Hypertension Day.
World Hypertension Day is a day set aside by the World Health Organization to increase awareness about hypertension.
He said the health facilities in the state have been equipped to control complications arising from hypertension.
The Health Commissioner in Rivers State noted that the investment of the Governor Wike-led administration in the health sector has improved access to healthcare for residents in the state
Princewill Chike further tasked Rivers people to regularly check their blood pressure.
He said that hypertension is a silent killer.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Health also called on Nigerians to live a healthy lifestyle to checkmate the rising cases of the disease in the country.
Medical Practitioners call on Nigerians to live a healthy lifestyle
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria PSN has joined in calling on Nigerians to regularly check their blood pressure.
The Chairman of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria PSN Rivers State Chapter Promise Anele said this as part of activities marking the 2023 World Hypertension Day.
He said that Hypertension is a silent killer and tasked Nigerians to live a healthy lifestyle.
Promise Anele further asked Nigerians to always consult a medical practitioner before consuming any drugs.
Similarly, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria ACPN has called on Nigerians to regularly check their blood pressure and avoid excessive intake of alcohol.
The Zonal Coordinator of ACPN, Elelenwo Zone Oroye Otsuka during a sensitization campaign and road walk at Elelenwo as part of activities marking the 2023 World Hypertension Day.
The Zonal Coordinator of ACPN, Elelenwo Zone Oroye Otsuka further lamented the high level of ignorance about the disease in the country.
He said that more sensitization needs to be done to enlighten Nigerians about the disease.
Our correspondent reports that the pharmacists also conducted a free high blood pressure and blood sugar check for residents in Elelenwo during the sensitization campaign.
In the meantime, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives in Rivers State Council has called for an increase in awareness of hypertension in the country.
The Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives in Rivers State Council Adaku Bridget in a statement said many Nigerians are still ignorant about the disease.
She said that adequate sensitization will enable health workers to curb the rising cases of hypertension in Nigeria.
