The Department of Pharmaceutical Services, in Collaboration with the Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicines, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Celebrates World Hypertension Day 2026 and forms part of Hypertension Awareness month with the theme “ Controlling Hypertension together: check your Blood Pressure Regularly, defeat the Silent Killer”
This was contained in a statement signed by Haruna Ibrahim, information and public relations officer of the ABUTH issued to newsmen.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ahmed U. Hamidu ably represented by Prof. Mohammed Ibrahim Zaria, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, appreciates the organisers, he said Hypertension frequently present no obvious symptoms while silently damaging the cardiovascular system and other organs, and because of this routine, Health Checks are the only way to accurately track and manage.
He said High blood pressure can lead to serious Health problems, it important to have blood pressure measured.
He emphasized the Management support on the awareness campaign and said that Management has donated hypertensive drugs free, to be given to the hypertension patients on prescription.
In his remark, Head of Cardiology Unit and Consultant Cardiologist, Prof. Balarabe Sani Garko, said Hypertension is often called “Silent killer “because it usually has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and premature death.
He said, Early detection, regular monitoring, and sustained treatment can prevent most hypertension related complications. He also said, is a shared responsibility, requiring action from individuals, families, communities, health professionals and the health system.
He Emphasizes on Healthy diets, physical activity, avoiding tobacco, reducing alcohol intake, and appropriate medication can significantly reduce risk.
Pharm Abdulfatai and Pharm Nafisa spoke on Hypertension Management which is a life long and depends on sustained access to care, medicine and follow up.
Prof. Pascal Azu said that most people with hypertension are unaware they have it. Screening and routine measurement are essential, he said regular blood pressure measurement is the first step to prevent and control. Everyone should know their blood pressure values.
Dietician Waziri maraya on behalf of the department of Nutrition and dietetics spoke on the need for all to have good healthy diets.
The aim of the world hypertension day was to raise global Awareness about high blood pressure detection, promote prevention, control, and encourage action at individual, community and Health system levels to increase public awareness and understanding of hypertension, promote routine, blood pressure measurement in communities and Health facilities support health system to strengthen hypertension detection, treatment and long term control.
Raising awareness, sharing knowledge and supporting sustained action can create lasting change for everyone affected by hypertension.