By Excellence Oseose
Health authorities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised concerns over the growing prevalence of hypertension among residents, following findings that revealed a significant number of people living with elevated blood pressure without knowing it.
Data obtained during the 2026 World Hypertension Day screening campaign showed that one in every five residents screened across the FCT exhibited signs of hypertension, prompting fresh concerns among health experts over what is increasingly being described as a silent public health threat.
Speaking on the outcome of the exercise, Dr. Aderonke Akande, Public Health Consultant and Director of Disease Control at the FCT Primary Health Care Board, disclosed that 812 residents were found to have elevated blood pressure out of the 4,186 people screened during the campaign.
According to her, the situation was particularly alarming in Kwali Area Council, where nearly half of those screened—about 49 percent—recorded elevated blood pressure readings. She noted that women accounted for a higher proportion of the cases identified during the exercise.
Dr. Akande expressed concern that many of those diagnosed appeared healthy and had no prior knowledge of their condition, underscoring the growing burden of hypertension among young adults and people in their productive years.
She explained that while women formed the majority of participants in the screening programme, elevated blood pressure was recorded among both men and women, highlighting the widespread nature of the health challenge.
Health professionals have warned that uncontrolled hypertension remains one of the leading causes of stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, maternal mortality and other life-threatening complications. They noted that the condition often develops without noticeable symptoms, making regular screening essential for early detection and management.
The screening campaign was organised by the FCT Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with the Public Health Department as part of activities marking the 2026 World Hypertension Day.
Health officials used the occasion to advocate sustained public awareness, routine blood pressure checks, healthier lifestyles, reduced salt consumption and stronger community-based interventions to curb the growing incidence of hypertension across the territory.
They stressed that early detection and lifestyle modifications remain critical tools in preventing complications and reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases among residents.
This version is written in a standard newspaper style suitable for publication in Abuja-focused media outlets.