The Bayelsa State Ministry of Health has raised concern over the growing burden of hypertension in the state, saying many residents do not regularly check their blood pressure and are often diagnosed only after complications have developed.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, disclosed this on Thursday while interacting with journalists and presenting the ministry’s scorecard in Yenagoa on the theme, “Mid-Year Review.”

Brisibe said data generated from a previous hypertension and diabetes screening exercise showed a prevalence of about 10 to 15 per cent among those screened, with higher rates recorded among older residents and males.

He said the figures should serve as a warning to residents and health authorities, particularly because hypertension could remain undetected for a long period.

He said, “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.”

The commissioner said the ministry also observed that many Bayelsans did not have the habit of checking their blood pressure or blood sugar levels.

He identified late detection and denial among some patients as major challenges in tackling hypertension and diabetes.

“A lot of Bayelsans do not have the habit of checking their blood pressure or their sugar level at all,” he sai

Brisibe said the ministry was integrating hypertension screening into routine healthcare services, adding that residents could approach designated emergency ambulances in Yenagoa to have their blood pressure checked free of charge.

He said the service would also be extended to riverine communities through the state’s boat ambulance system.

The commissioner urged residents, particularly those above 40, to regularly check their blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

He said, “Please, regularly check your blood pressure, regularly check your glucose level, most especially for those above 40.”

Brisibe also advised residents diagnosed with non-communicable diseases to adhere to prescribed medications, follow medical advice, eat healthy meals and exercise regularly.

He said the state government would collaborate with the Ministry of Information to intensify public awareness through radio jingles and billboards.

Editor’s note: The 10–15 per cent figure is attributed to the ministry’s screening/outreach exercise and should not automatically be presented as a population-wide prevalence estimate for Bayelsa. (PUNCH)

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