By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
Kano state government has assured its readiness to reduce the high burden of Hypertension in the state.
The state commissioner for health Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf stated this during a press briefing on the commemoration of 2025 World Hypertension day in Kano.
He said, the World Hypertension Day 2025 which is observed worldwide on the 17th of May yearly. Indeed, hypertension or high blood pressure is a silent yet deadly epidemic affecting virtually every one of us here and our society in general.
“So, today as always reaffirm our commitment to combating this major public health challenge, that is often referred to as the “silent killer”. Indeed, it is now an overt killer as it is a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide, and Kano State is no exception.” Dr Labaran added
According to the commissioner, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the yearly observance, under the theme, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control it, Live Longer”! The Kano state government through ministry for health will continue to raise public awareness and promote hypertension prevention, early detection and control for a healthier, prosperous and economically productive society in the State and Nigeria at large.
“It is on this note that Kano State Government prioritized the strengthening of our healthcare system, particularly in the fight against the rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like Hypertension, Diabetes, Sickle cell disease, Cancers and Mental Health among others, with remarkable achievements some of which include:
Scaling up the delivery of hypertension care and prevention in our health facilities especially Primary Health facilities through the National Hypertension Control Initiative (NHCI) with training of Healthcare Workers: Last month (April 2025), we successfully trained 412 focal persons from 208 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state. By this training we scaled up the hypertension services from 52 to 260 providing comprehensive hypertension services,” The commissioner said.
Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf pointed out that, the inclusion of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS): Mental Health is on the rise in our society with increasing skills in its diagnosis and management. So, during the training for hypertension services scale up mental health was integrated which further underscores our commitment to providing integrated, person-centered care and support to clients and their families.
Massive Free screening for Hypertension and Diabetes.
“Recall the successes Kano recorded under the “Project 10 million” intervention when we screened 158,235 people in one week and detected and placed on treatment 4,747 (3%) people with Diabetes and 26,900 (17%) people with hypertension. The exercise was conducted in public and private facilities as well as communities which enabled early detection and timely intervention for these individuals, thus reducing their risk of complications such as stroke, kidney failure, heart disease and death, the commissioner added.
“that is why two of the seven key health programs launched by governor Abba Kabir Yusuf few days ago launched NCDs affecting children: Abba Care support program for sickle cell disease patients, distribution of hydroxyurea and Abba Gida-Gida Diabetic support program with distribution of free Glucometers & Strips to children with Type-1 diabetes in Kano state,” He added.
The commissioner called on every citizen of Kano State to
Know their Numbers: Regularly check blood pressure and seek medical advice if it is elevated.
The commissioner also said Kano State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to reducing the burden of hypertension and improving the health outcomes of our people.
The commissioner on behalf of Kano state government commended the traditional rulers, Religious Leaders as well as development partners for their maximum support to the health sector in the state.
