FCTA Intensifies Efforts to Combat Hypertension, Targets Increased Screening and Control in Communities
By: Prudence Okonna and Khadija Kawunda
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating hypertension as new data reveals that over 34% of residents screened during the 2024 World Hypertension Day exercise were hypertensive.
Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, outlined the FCT’s commitment to tackling this critical health issue during a keynote address commemorating the 2025 World Hypertension Day held Monday at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board office complex in the Central Area of Abuja.
Dr. Fasawe, represented by Permanent Secretary HSES Dr. Babagana Adam, emphasized the urgent need for accurate blood pressure monitoring, early detection, and sustained treatment, in line with this year’s global theme: “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.”
“Hypertension is a silent yet deadly condition that continues to affect millions globally. In the FCT, recent findings show 34% of residents screened were hypertensive — a disturbing figure that demands collective and urgent action,” she noted.
She noted that the theme for the year aligns with the FCT’s goals to increase population screening, improve linkage to care, promote healthy lifestyle modifications, and ensure prompt and appropriate management of the condition.
Dr. Fasawe explained that to address the challenges, there are partnerships and initiatives aimed at achieving the World Hypertension League and WHO targets of diagnosing 80% of people through screening, ensuring 80% of those diagnosed are treated, and achieving blood pressure control in 80% of those treated by 2030.
She revealed that the Administration has expanded community-based screenings, integrated treatment initiatives, and strengthened partnerships with organisations such as WHO, HSDF, PSI, the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital’s Cardiovascular Research Centre, among others, to improve intervention.
The Mandate Secretary highlighted some of the interventions, including the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria (HTN) Program, which is active in 60 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), the Nigeria Package of Essential (N-PEN) implemented in 12 PHCs, the Healthy Heart Africa Project in 19 PHCs and the Diabetes Awareness and Care Project, targeting residents in four of six FCT Area Councils.
“These programs are not just about numbers — they are about lives. We are ensuring affordable, quality care reaches the grassroots,” Dr. Fasawe said.
The Executive Director, Primary Health Care Board (PHCB), Ruqaya Wama in her welcome address, emphasised the importance of everyone, especially men, who are physically active, to know their numbers by ensuring regular checkups.
Director, Public Health Department, Dr Dan Gadzama, revealed that in commemoration of World Hypertension Day, the department has been visiting different communities, worship centres and markets throughout the week.
Dr Gadzama noted that while Hypertension can be asymptomatic, there are risk factors to watch out for, such as high salt intake, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol, tobacco intake, among others, adding that early detection saves lives.
He therefore encouraged members of the public as well as staff of the FCTA to take advantage of the screening campaign and get to know their numbers.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator WHO, FCT Dr. Kumshida Balami emphasised the high unmet need for hypertension care in the FCT, stating that “Currently, the unmet need for hypertension care in the FCT is alarmingly high, with 88% of individuals with high blood pressure not receiving adequate diagnosis, treatment, and control. This highlights a significant gap in healthcare that we must address urgently.”
Dr. Balami also said the WHO is making efforts to support the FCT in emphasising the importance of a multi-pronged approach by strengthening risk factor reduction, expanding the integration of the WHO HEARTS technical package into every level of primary health care, and integrating services across sectors
Abuja Digest reports that global figures indicate an estimated 1.13 billion people aged 30-79 years have hypertension, with a significant proportion residing in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, studies suggest that 3 to 4 out of every 10 people are hypertensive, and only two out of ten have it under control.
