Over 41 million Nigerians are now at risk of dying from hypertension, as cases of sudden death linked to the disease continue to rise across the country.
Health experts have described the situation as a national emergency, warning that more people are dying silently due to lack of proper care and access to affordable drugs.
Hypertension, often called the “silent killer,” affects about four out of every ten adults in Nigeria. Sadly, many people don’t even know they have it. Those who do know are struggling to stay on treatment because of the high cost of drugs and poor access to healthcare.
Experts say only 60 percent of people living with hypertension are aware of their condition. Out of these, just 30 percent are receiving treatment, and less than 15 percent have their blood pressure under control. This has led to a sharp increase in cases of stroke, heart failure, and sudden death.
Patients told Vanguard how the cost of managing hypertension is weighing them down. David Ogbo, 46, spends ₦15,000 monthly on medication. Another patient, Chijioke, said he once skipped his drugs for two weeks and ended up in the hospital. Many are forced to choose between buying drugs and feeding their families.
Drug prices have tripled in recent years. For example, Novasc, a popular hypertension drug, rose from ₦2,000 to over ₦8,000 per sachet. Even cheaper brands now cost over ₦1,000, making it difficult for low-income earners to stay on treatment.
Health workers say most people simply walk into pharmacies to buy drugs without seeing a doctor. This is risky because not all drugs work for everyone, and wrong treatment can lead to worse problems. Some people rely on prayers or wait until they collapse before seeking help.
The government has promised to tackle the problem by reducing tariffs on imported drugs and encouraging local production. NAFDAC says it is working to support Nigerian companies to make quality drugs at lower costs. But many believe more action is needed.
Experts advise Nigerians to check their blood pressure regularly, eat healthy, exercise, and avoid smoking or drinking too much alcohol. They also want more awareness campaigns and free blood pressure checks in communities, saying hypertension is no longer silent it is speaking through too many untimely deaths.
