The Bayelsa State Government has raised concern over the growing number of residents living with hypertension, warning that many people are unaware they have the condition until it begins to cause serious health problems.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, disclosed this on Thursday in Yenagoa while presenting the ministry’s mid-year scorecard to journalists.
Brisibe said a previous screening exercise for hypertension and diabetes recorded a prevalence of between 10 and 15 per cent among those tested, with older people and men accounting for a higher proportion of cases.
He described the situation as worrying, particularly because hypertension can develop silently without obvious symptoms.
“What we discovered is that the prevalence is about 10 to 15 per cent, most especially for those above 45, 50, and is a little bit higher among males,” he said.
According to the commissioner, one of the major challenges facing the state is the poor habit of regular health checks among residents. He said many people rarely check their blood pressure or blood sugar levels, making early detection difficult.
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“A lot of Bayelsans do not have the habit of checking their blood pressure or their sugar level at all,” Brisibe said.
To improve early detection, the ministry is incorporating hypertension screening into routine healthcare services. Residents in Yenagoa can also have their blood pressure checked for free at designated emergency ambulance points. At the same time, the service will be taken to riverine communities through the state’s boat ambulance programme.
Brisibe urged residents, especially those above 40, to make regular health checks part of their routine.
“Please, regularly check your blood pressure, regularly check your glucose level, most especially for those above 40,” he advised.
He also encouraged people already diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases to take their medications as prescribed, maintain a healthy diet and engage in regular physical activity.
The commissioner added that the state government would work with the Ministry of Information to step up public awareness through radio jingles, billboards and other platforms to encourage residents to take their health more seriously.
