2025 World Hypertension Day: Gov Adeleke advocates regular health check-ups

By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
As part of the global observance of World Hypertension Day 2025, marked annually on May 17, the Osun State Government has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate residents on hypertension prevention and the importance of regular blood pressure screenings for early detection and effective management.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Public Health Emergency Operations Center of the Ministry of Health, Commissioner for Health, Jola Moses Akintola, emphasised the theme of this year’s event: “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.”
He noted that the campaign aims to increase public awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure and to promote healthier lifestyles to reduce the risk.
Describing hypertension as a “silent killer,” Akintola highlighted it as a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Citing global statistics, he revealed that over one billion people live with high blood pressure.
He also called for stronger collaboration across the health sector to reach underserved communities.
To further strengthen these efforts, the Commissioner disclosed that his ministry had sought the approval of Governor Adeleke to establish a Steering Committee and a Technical Working Group focused on the prevention and control of Bon-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), in line with the National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan on NCDs.
Development partners such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), The Challenge Initiative (TCI), the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN), Osun State Chapter, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) also pledged their support.
They encouraged consistent blood pressure monitoring—morning and evening—as part of the “Know Your Status, Maintain Your Numbers” campaign.
Earlier , Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, described World Hypertension Day as a vital platform for public enlightenment.
He pointed out that hypertension increasingly affects individuals in their early 30s and is often asymptomatic until complications arise, emphasising the need for routine screenings.
Several health sector stakeholders also delivered goodwill messages, stressing the need for sustained public awareness.