WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY: ANAMBRA OFFERS RESIDENTS FREE MEDICAL CHECKS
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
The Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Health, has announced plans to provide free hypertension screening services at primary healthcare centres and general hospitals across the state as part of activities marking the 2026 World Hypertension Day.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, made this known on Tuesday during a press briefing in Awka.
He said the annual commemoration offers an opportunity to increase public awareness about hypertension, describing it as one of the most deadly non-communicable diseases in society.
Obidike spoke on this year’s theme, “Controlling Hypertension Together: Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly and Defeat the Silent Killer,” noting that hypertension remains a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, with about one billion people affected worldwide.
He explained that the Soludo administration has identified hypertension as a major public health concern and is intensifying efforts to combat it through sustained awareness campaigns.
According to him, the government has introduced the “Solution Know Your Number” initiative aimed at improving early detection and management of high blood pressure.
He said, “We have put in place proactive measures to sensitise Ndi Anambra to access the medications they need for effective management and treatment of blood pressure.
“The checks are free for all residents, regardless of tribe, ethnicity, or religion, and are currently ongoing in state-owned hospitals, including Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, and General Hospital Enugwu-Ukwu.
“What we are doing aligns with the advocacy of the governor’s wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, through her NGO, Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo.”
He urged residents to regularly check their blood pressure, maintain healthy diets, exercise, and reduce excessive alcohol intake to prevent sudden health complications.
The commissioner also commended the World Health Organisation and Population Services International for their support, warning that untreated hypertension could lead to serious conditions such as kidney failure and stroke.
He further appreciated Governor Chukwuma Soludo for prioritising the health sector in his administration.
Also speaking, the State Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator, Mrs Adaku Ego, said a series of activities have been lined up for the commemoration, including free screening and treatment conducted between May 17 and May 19, 2026, as well as road sensitisation campaigns to educate the public on hypertension.
Representatives from the WHO, PSI, and the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency were present at the briefing.
World Hypertension Day, observed annually on May 17, is dedicated to raising global awareness about hypertension, a common but often undiagnosed condition.
It was established by the World Hypertension League, an organisation representing 85 national hypertension societies worldwide, with the aim of promoting prevention, early detection, and control of high blood pressure.
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