Bayelsa State Ministry of Health Raises Alarm Over Rising Cases of Undiagnosed Hypertension

The Bayelsa State Ministry of Health has expressed growing concern over the rising incidence of hypertension across the state, warning that many residents remain unaware of their condition until severe medical complications arise.

Speaking in Yenagoa during the presentation of the ministry’s mid-year review, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, revealed that recent screening initiatives indicated a prevalence rate between 10 and 15 percent among participants, with higher rates observed among men and individuals over the age of 45.

Prof. Brisibe identified delayed medical checks and patient denial as primary obstacles to managing non-communicable diseases in the state. He noted that regular monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar remains uncommon among residents.

To address the challenge, the health ministry is incorporating routine screening into primary healthcare services and expanding free blood pressure checks via state emergency ambulances operating in urban and riverine areas.

Health authorities are advising resident particularly those above 40 years of age to undergo regular medical checkups, adhere to prescribed treatments, and adopt healthier lifestyle practices to mitigate risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases.