Anambra launches complimentary blood tests to help combat high blood pressure

Anambra State has rolled out blood pressure screening in public hospitals and primary healthcare centres as a measure to combat hypertension, according to Dr Afam Obidike, the state Commissioner for Health.

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This initiative is part of the state's hypertension awareness campaign for this year, which seeks to address the growing threat of undiagnosed high blood pressure among the population, Obidike explained.

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The free screening exercise is currently underway at government-owned health facilities, including Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, and General Hospital Enugwukwu, with all residents eligible to participate.

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Obidike warned that hypertension is a "silent killer" that can lead to severe complications such as stroke, kidney failure, heart disease, or sudden death if left undiagnosed, emphasizing the importance of routine checks and early diagnosis.

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To prevent avoidable fatalities, the state government has stepped up its "Solution Know Your Number" campaign, which encourages residents to regularly monitor their blood pressure and adopt healthier lifestyles, Obidike added.

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The administration is also working with development partners to raise awareness, increase access to treatment, and strengthen primary healthcare delivery across the state, according to Obidike.

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Obidike advised residents to maintain healthy diets, reduce alcohol consumption, exercise regularly, manage stress, and undergo weekly blood pressure checks as part of preventive healthcare measures.

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In a separate move, Obidike has instructed all healthcare workers in state-owned facilities to wear visible identification tags while attending to patients, aiming to improve transparency and prevent impersonation.

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Facility managers will be held accountable for compliance, and monitoring teams will conduct enforcement exercises across hospitals and clinics in the state, Obidike stated.

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Adaku Ego, the state Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator, outlined the awareness activities organized under the campaign, which include roadshows, public education programmes, free screening exercises, and treatment support services.

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Representatives from the World Health Organization, Population Services International, and the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency attended the event and reaffirmed their support for efforts to reduce hypertension-related illnesses and deaths in the state.