By Justina Auta
Civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have lauded a free hypertension and blood sugar screening exercise aimed at reducing cardiovascular risks and curbing rising mortality linked to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
The gave the commendation on Tuesday in Abuja during the two-day health screening exercise organised by the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL) and partner health organisations in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The exercise was part of activities to mark the 2026 World Hypertension Day, with the theme: “Controlling Hypertension Together: Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly, Defeat the Silent Killer”.
The beneficiaries described the exercise as timely and life-saving, noting that many workers rarely undergo routine medical checks due to busy schedules and economic constraints.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some of them said the initiative had increased awareness on the dangers of untreated hypertension and diabetes.
Mrs Esther Okon, a staff of one of the ministries, said that when she was screened, it was observed that her blood pressure was slightly elevated.
“I usually feel healthy and did not think I had any issue. After today’s screening, I realised my blood pressure is higher than normal, and I have been advised on what to do.
“This programme is very important because many civil servants are under stress and may not know their health status,” she said.
Also, Malam Idris Mohammed, described the exercise as beneficial, especially considering the rising cost of healthcare services.
He urged government and development partners to sustain regular workplace screenings to encourage early detection and treatment.
“Many people ignore hospital visits because of cost or lack of time. Bringing the screening to workplaces makes it easier for workers to know their health condition,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs Idayat Habibu, said the awareness created during the exercise had encouraged her to adopt healthier lifestyle habits.
She said the medical team educated participants on healthy eating, regular exercise, reduced salt intake, stress management, and the importance of routine blood pressure checks.
“I have learned that hypertension can affect anyone, even when there are no symptoms. This has changed my perception completely,” she said.
Mr Francis Okonkwo, a member of the NCD Patient Advocacy Working Group, stressed the importance of sensitising the public on the benefits of regular checkup to avoid complications that might arise from NCDs.
“We are advocating that government should make blood pressure monitoring devices free and readily accessible to everyone, especially people in rural communities, and not only during special health campaigns like this,” he said.
Mr Ademuyiwa Damilola, Director of Programmes at LISDEL, said the initiative was aimed at promoting early detection and reducing the growing burden of hypertension and other NCDs among Nigerians.
While calling for regular health screening, improved public awareness, and stronger collaboration to address the increasing cases of hypertension across the country, he urged civil servants to priorities their health.
“We are supporting the ministry to provide free screening for hypertension and blood sugar, while also using the opportunity to encourage healthier lifestyles that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension,” he said.
Responding to calls for improved access to blood pressure monitoring equipment within ministries, the official said existing health facilities within government office complexes should be better utilised.
“Civil servants can walk in at any time to check their blood pressure free of charge. Where abnormalities are detected, they are referred to higher-level facilities for further diagnosis and treatment,” he said.
Speaking on broader interventions, Damilola said the organisation’s strategy focuses on both public awareness and government advocacy.
“We are calling for increased budgetary allocations for hypertension-related activities across ministries, departments and agencies, not only within the Ministry of Health but across all relevant sectors.
“However, beyond budgetary provisions, there is also the critical issue of fund releases. It is one thing to make budgetary provisions; it is another for implementing agencies to actually access and utilise those funds.”
He said delayed release of funds was hindering effective implementation of hypertension programmes, thereby worsening the disease burden in spite of its significant contribution to mortality and morbidity.
NAN reports that healthcare professionals at the event conducted blood pressure and blood sugar checks and offered counselling on healthy living and disease prevention.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Akpan
