By Fasilat Lawal
Death occasioned by hypertension is avoidable if people undertake regular check of their blood pressure at home before proceeding to hospital.
This was the submission of health sector stakeholders at a two day conference on Novel Strategies for Accelerating Hypertension Control in Africa Organized by Centre of Genomics and Precision Medicine and African Research Universities Alliance, University of Ibadan Centre of Excellence in Non -Communicable Diseases held at international Conference Centre University of Ibadan
In a remark, a Cardiologist at Lagos Teaching Hospital, who is also the Vice President, World Heart Federation , Professor Chinyere Mbakwem explained that there was need to leverage on innovation technology to improve healthcare through the use of devices such as smartphones to remind patients to take drugs and send their blood pressure to health personnel without visiting hospitals.
Professor Mbakwem who noted that safety from cardiovascular disease is achievable, enjoined people to achieve it by controlling Hypertension.
Similarly, a professor of Medicine at the University of Ilorin and Secretary General Of Hypertension Society , Professor Kolawole Wahab, who said the use of internet in the country was high, advised Nigerians to make use of innovation to monitor blood pressure to reduce Cardiovascular diseases.
In a presentation, a neurologist from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Dr Paul Olowoyo maintained that hypertension control should not be limited to only health workers.
Dr Olowoyo explained that measures such as the use of biometric patients, provision of free drugs for the indigents would significantly help in the drive for proper management and control of hypertension.
Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale represented by Dean Faculty of Arts, Professor Alabi Oyeshile who said Hypertension was a concern to all sundry, and should not be ignored urged government to address the hike in prices of food and other items affecting the well being of people.
In an address, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health Mr Olufunso Adebiyi represented by Dr Abiodun Adeoye said the ministry had instituted several strategic interventions to improve the early detection and effective management of hypertension.
In a remark, the Permanent Secretary , Oyo State Minisry Of Health Dr Olusoji Adeyanju ,who called for public and enlightenment campaign to address Hypertension said one of Governor Seyi Makinde Cardinal Agenda is to provide quality health to the people.
African Regional Director Hypertension League, Professor Mayowa Owolabi said Hypertension remained one of the risks factor of stroke in African and the continents, noting that the essence of the conference was to draw the attention of African and world leaders to the problems of hypertension.
Professor Owolabi expressed optimism that the stakeholders would come up with recommendations to accelerate the detection, treatment, how to control and reduce hypertension on the continent.
There were good- will messages from stakeholders from African countries including Ghana Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu .
The two day conference had the theme “African Control of Hypertension Through Innovation Epidemiology and Vibrant Ecosystem Achieve”.
Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group
pub-5160901092443552
Related Posts
