By Blessing Odega
To commemorate the World Hypertension Day, APIN Public Health Initiatives has conducted free medical checks for people in Tudun Wada, Jos South Local Government Area (LGA), of Plateau.
Dr Solomon Wekpe, Head of office, APIN, an NGO, disclosed this during the exercise on Friday in Jos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the 2024 World Hypertension Day has as theme; “Measure your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”.
Wekpe, said that free medical checks was a means of creating awareness on the human silent killer, which most persons, especially the indigent, often paid little or no attention to, and were unaware of their Blood Pressure (BP) status.
He said the initiative would enable people in the community know their health status on hypertension, diabetes and HIV.
Wekpe, said that the people would also be sensitised on the importance of routine medical checks; as early detection was salient for effective prevention and management.
In his remarks, Dr Cletus Shurkuk, Plateau’s Commissioner for Health, who was represented by Dr Bunah Mafawalal, the director of Public Health in the ministry, said ignorance over hypertension was a major challenge.
He said the theme for the year’s commemoration was apt, as it emphasised the importance of precise blood pressure measurement, and effective management of the disease to ensure longevity and good health.
The Commissioner, said tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and harmful alcohol consumption, among others were predisposing factors that increased the chances of one having the disease.
He warned that unmanaged and poorly managed hypertension would lead to fatal complications such as heart disease, heart failure, stroke, blindness, chronic kidney failure, dementia amongst others.
Shurkuk, called on the people to inculcate a healthy lifestyle and ensure they checked their BPs regularly.
He commended the NGO for the free checks and for providing health care services to the Plateau people.
Mr Ajiji Atina, the Ward Head of Tudun Wada, commended the NGO for picking the community for the free medical checks.
Atina, said the testing and screening would go a long way in helping the people of his community know their health status.
Mrs Tina Musa, one of the beneficiaries of the exercise, who spoke to the NAN commended the NGO for the free screening.
Musa, said the screening had availed her the opportunity to know her BP, HIV and diabetics status. NAN
