By Michael Foli Jackidy
Dzodze (V/R), May 18, GNA — The Ketu North Municipal Health Directorate has intensified efforts to detect and control hypertension through a municipality-wide screening exercise targeting adults in communities and institutions.
The exercise forms part of activities marking this year’s World Hypertension Day and contributes to a nationwide campaign aimed at screening at least one million Ghanaians for high blood pressure this month.
Sumaila Gariba Abubakari, Municipal Director of Health Services, said hypertension remained one of the leading causes of stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and premature deaths, although many people remained unaware of their condition until complications developed.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, he explained that all health facilities within the municipality had been directed to provide free blood pressure screening services for adults throughout the month.
He said outreach teams had also been deployed to schools, offices, markets, transport stations, churches, mosques, and other public institutions to bring the screening exercise closer to residents.
According to him, the campaign seeks to increase awareness about hypertension prevention, encourage early detection, and promote healthier lifestyles.
“Hypertension is often called the silent killer because many people may live with it for years without any symptoms. Regular screening remains the surest way to know one’s status and seek early treatment,” he stated.
Mr Abubakari urged adults aged 18 years and above to take advantage of the free screening exercise by visiting the nearest health facility or participating when outreach teams visit their communities and workplaces.
He advised residents to adopt healthy lifestyles, including reducing salt intake, eating balanced diets, engaging in regular exercise, avoiding tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption, and attending regular medical check-ups.
The Municipal Director further appealed to chiefs, assembly members, religious leaders, heads of institutions, and opinion leaders to support the campaign by mobilising residents to participate.
“We need collective support from all stakeholders to help improve early detection and management of hypertension within our communities,” he said.
Mr Abubakari expressed confidence that the municipality would make a significant contribution toward the national screening target through the ongoing exercise.
He emphasised that knowing one’s blood pressure status could save lives and encouraged residents not to wait until complications developed before seeking medical attention.
Observed globally on May 17 each year, World Hypertension Day seeks to raise awareness about hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, and encourage regular blood pressure checks.
The annual observance educates the public on the dangers of hypertension, one of the leading risk factors for stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and premature death worldwide.
The day also promotes healthy lifestyles such as regular exercise, healthy eating, reduced salt intake, avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and routine medical check-ups to help prevent and control hypertension.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization estimates that about 1.4 billion people worldwide are living with hypertension, with many unaware of their condition.
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu