27% of Kano residents living with hypertension — Commissioner

Kano State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, has disclosed that 27% of the population in the state is living with hypertension, based on recent studies. This means that nearly three out of every ten residents are affected by the condition.

Dr. Labaran made the revelation in an interview with THE Star in Kano during activities marking the 2025 World Hypertension Day, which carried the theme: “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.”

He emphasized the importance of routine blood pressure monitoring to promote longer, healthier lives.

Comparing the state’s statistics to the national average, Dr. Labaran noted that about 33% of Nigerians are hypertensive, underscoring the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts.

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He described hypertension as a “silent killer” and a major contributor to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are responsible for roughly 29% of deaths in the country, with cardiovascular diseases alone accounting for 11%.

Kano, he said, is not exempt from this growing health burden, citing rising cases of cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, chronic respiratory illnesses, cancers, and sickle cell disease.

In response, the state has established a Non-communicable Disease (NCD) Technical Working Group to provide strategic guidance, coordinate interventions, and enhance policy implementation and stakeholder engagement around NCD prevention and care.

“As we commemorate World Hypertension Day, it’s vital to remind our people of the dangers of ignoring their blood pressure,” Dr. Labaran warned.

“Globally, we are seeing more cases of heart failure, strokes, kidney failure, and irreversible organ damage linked to untreated high blood pressure.”

He urged residents to check their blood pressure regularly—at least twice a year—to detect any issues early and begin treatment promptly.

“Early detection gives patients a better chance at long-term survival,” he said, adding that approximately 8% of hypertensive patients die each year from preventable complications.

Highlighting the state government’s commitment under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Dr. Labaran revealed that over the past two years, Kano has significantly improved hypertension care, especially at the primary healthcare level.

A mass screening exercise recently conducted across the state tested 158,235 people, diagnosing 4,747 with diabetes and identifying 26,900 new cases of hypertension—many of whom were unaware they had the condition and are now receiving treatment.

In addition, 412 focal persons from 208 primary healthcare centers have been trained to manage hypertension and mental health challenges, including depression.

Dr. Labaran also announced the recent launch of the “Abba Care Diabetic Support” program, during which the government distributed diagnostic tools and test strips free of charge for diabetes and hypertension patients.

“These initiatives demonstrate our unwavering commitment to reducing the burden of hypertension in Kano State,” he said.

“We urge residents to adopt healthier lifestyles—limit salt intake, avoid smoking and alcohol, exercise regularly, and seek timely medical attention.”

He assured that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains dedicated to tackling non-communicable diseases and improving the overall health of the people of Kano State.