By Adesakin Adefemi
The Ogun State Ministry of Health has commemorated World Hypertension Day 2026 with a call for stronger action against high blood pressure, citing it as a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure in the state and across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Abiodun Olorunsogo Oyenekan, Coordinator of the Non-Communicable Disease Unit in the Public Health Department, said the day was more than ceremonial. He described it as a reminder that many people live with hypertension unknowingly until complications develop and praise the leadership driving the state’s response.
Dr. Oyenekan acknowledged the strategic direction of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, for their commitment to strengthening primary healthcare and expanding access to non-communicable disease services. He said their support has been instrumental in scaling the hypertension program to reach communities across all 20 local government areas.
He highlighted the state’s progress through the Project 10Million campaign in 2024, during which 174,736 residents were screened for hypertension. Of those, 13% were diagnosed with high blood pressure, underscoring the need for sustained screening and follow-up. The Permanent Secretary and Commissioner, he noted, have consistently pushed for data-driven interventions and better resource allocation to sustain the gains.
The Nigerian Hypertension Control Initiative Program, supported by Resolve to Save Lives and Project Hope, has expanded services to 236 facilities across all wards in Ogun State. The program aims to screen every person aged 18 and above who visits a facility and ensures 80% of those diagnosed receive quality, affordable medicines. Dr. Oyenekan said the ministry’s leadership has been key to maintaining partnerships and securing the technical and logistical backing needed for the rollout.
The state has achieved a 45% blood pressure control rate so far and is working toward the 80% target by the end of 2026. Dr. Oyenekan noted that the partnership, under the guidance of Dr. Oladehinde and Dr. Coker has also strengthened capacity building for frontline health workers managing hypertension at the primary care level.
As part of the commemoration, 20 merit healthcare facilities were honoured for exceptional dedication in hypertension prevention, screening, management, counselling, and follow-up over the past six months. Facilities recognized included Opeji Health Centre in Odeda, Alagbon PHC in Yewa South, and Ikenne PHC in Ikenne. Dr. Oyenekan said the recognition reflects the ministry’s focus on rewarding performance and accountability.
Dr. Oyenekan commended the award recipients and all health workers for their resilience and professionalism, saying their efforts are saving lives daily under challenging circumstances. He also thanked Resolve to Save Lives and Project Hope for their technical and operational support and credited the Permanent Secretary and Commissioner for creating an enabling environment for collaboration and innovation.
He urged residents to take personal responsibility for their health by embracing regular blood pressure checks, healthier diets, reduced salt intake, physical activity, and avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol.
The ministry said data from the screening would inform future interventions, resource allocation, and drug supply planning, with the goal of turning awareness into lasting behavior change and making routine blood pressure checks part of everyday health practice in Ogun State.
