By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Kadjebi (O/R), May 15, GNA -The Kadjebi District Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service will mark this year’s World Hypertension Day with free screenings at all health facilities in the district.
There will also be a durbar and at the durbar ground on Friday, May 16, at Dodi-Mempeasem, a predominant farming community.
The district’s target population for the blood pressure screening is 2,345.
Mr. Eric Nana Takyi, Kadjebi District Director of Health Services, disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency at Kadjebi in the Oti Region.
He said they are using community information centres and various congregate settings to raise awareness about the exercise.
Nana Takyi stated that hypertension occurs when the pressure in a person’s blood vessel is too high (≥140/90 mmHg) and that while it is common, it can be serious and easily kill if not detected early and treated.
The Health Director mentioned that blood pressure is known as a silent killer, as most individuals with the condition do not have symptoms.
He noted that “blood pressure is among the 10 top diseases in the Kadjebi District, accounting for 791, which presents 1.1 per cent of the total outpatient department (OPD) cases.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg. We all believe that there are many people who do not know their status, and this can only be determined through screening.”
Nana Takyi therefore urged the people in the district to take advantage of the exercise and get screened to know their hypertension status.
World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17 each year. It was established to raise awareness about hypertension and its impact on global health.
The day aims to encourage individuals to monitor their blood pressure, understand the risk factors of hypertension, and promote healthier lifestyles to prevent and manage this condition.
The observance also emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups, particularly in populations at higher risk of developing hypertension.
GNA
MA/BM