EmeraldLoaded Health Desk | August 4, 2025
Nigeria is facing a hypertension emergency, with experts warning that a dangerous combination of rising drug costs and widespread public ignorance is driving up the nation’s death rate from the condition.
According to the Nigerian Hypertension Society, over 41 million Nigerians are currently at risk of hypertension-related complications, yet only a small fraction are receiving adequate treatment. Health professionals are sounding the alarm that the disease is becoming a silent killer—especially among low-income groups who cannot afford essential medications or routine health checks.
“People are dying because they don’t even know they’re hypertensive. And even those who know often can’t afford to manage it,” said Dr. Kemi Fashola, a cardiologist at the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital.
The cost of common hypertension drugs has surged by over 40% in the past year, according to a Vanguard investigation. Meanwhile, lack of public education and rural outreach means millions remain unaware of the early warning signs.
As Nigeria continues to battle with limited access to affordable healthcare and a crumbling public hospital system, EmeraldLoaded urges readers to prioritize regular blood pressure checks and healthier lifestyle choices.
