Bayelsa Health Ministry Raises Concern Over Rising Hypertension

The Bayelsa State Ministry of Health has raised concerns over the growing burden of hypertension in the state, warning that many residents do not regularly check their blood pressure and often discover the condition only after complications have developed.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, disclosed this while presenting the ministry’s scorecard during its mid-year review in Yenagoa.

Brisibe said findings from a previous hypertension and diabetes screening exercise conducted by the ministry recorded hypertension in about 10 to 15 per cent of those screened, with higher rates observed among older residents and males.

He, however, clarified that the figure was based on people reached during the screening exercise and should not be interpreted as the overall prevalence of hypertension in Bayelsa State.

“What we discovered is that the prevalence is about 10 to 15 per cent, most especially for those above 45, 50, and is a little bit higher among males,” he said.

The commissioner identified poor awareness and irregular health checks as major challenges in the early detection and management of hypertension and diabetes.

According to him, many residents do not routinely monitor their blood pressure or blood sugar levels, resulting in late diagnosis.

“A lot of Bayelsans do not have the habit of checking their blood pressure or their sugar level at all,” Brisibe said.

He also identified denial among some patients as another challenge affecting efforts to manage non-communicable diseases in the state.

To improve early detection, Brisibe said the ministry was integrating hypertension screening into routine healthcare services.

He added that residents in Yenagoa could have their blood pressure checked free of charge at designated emergency ambulance points, while the service would also be extended to riverine communities through the state’s boat ambulance system.

The commissioner urged residents, particularly people above the age of 40, to make regular blood pressure and blood glucose checks part of their routine healthcare.

“Please, regularly check your blood pressure, regularly check your glucose level, most especially for those above 40,” he advised.

Brisibe further urged residents diagnosed with hypertension and other non-communicable diseases to adhere to their prescribed medications, follow medical advice, maintain healthy diets and engage in regular physical activity.

He said the state government would also work with the Ministry of Information to intensify public awareness through radio jingles, billboards and other communication channels.