Lagos hypertension burden affects six million residents, says Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi, urging early detection and stronger primary healthcare

Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, has raised alarm over the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, revealing that about six million residents are living with hypertension in the state.

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Abayomi described hypertension, diabetes, and obesity as “silent killers” responsible for an increasing number of preventable complications in hospitals across Lagos.

He delivered the warning during a one-day leadership dialogue themed “Strengthening PHC Systems: A Joint Leadership Dialogue” at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.

The event, organised by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board with support from development partners, focused on strategies to make primary healthcare centres (PHCs) more effective in meeting the healthcare needs of residents.

“Twenty per cent of Lagosians are currently living with hypertension, translating to roughly six million people out of the state’s estimated population of 30 million,” Abayomi said.

He highlighted that about 70 per cent of those affected are unaware of their condition, amounting to roughly 4.2 million people who are undiagnosed and untreated.

According to the commissioner, this lack of awareness contributes to severe health outcomes, including heart failure, kidney failure, and stroke.

He stressed that hypertension and diabetes often progress without obvious symptoms, making routine screening and early detection essential.

Abayomi advocated for simple interventions at PHCs such as blood pressure and blood sugar checks, weight monitoring, and lifestyle counselling, noting that these measures could significantly reduce the disease burden.

He also urged residents to engage in regular physical activity and reduce salt consumption, highlighting the role of minor lifestyle adjustments in preventing hypertension.

The commissioner further linked the hypertension challenge to weaknesses in the primary healthcare system, noting that many Lagosians bypass PHCs and seek care from private hospitals or informal providers such as patent medicine vendors and community pharmacies, undermining early detection and continuity of care.

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“Strengthening primary healthcare systems and increasing awareness are key to tackling this growing public health challenge,” Abayomi said, emphasising that effective PHCs could prevent many of the complications currently overwhelming secondary and tertiary hospitals.