Ketu north: 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.
According to Ghana News Agency, 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, highlighted that 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, Mr. Abubakari explained that all health facilities within the municipality had been directed to provide free blood pressure screening services for adults throughout the month. Outreach teams had also been deployed to various public places to bring the screening exercise closer to residents. He noted that the campaign seeks to increase awareness about hypertension prevention, encourage early detection, and promote healthier lifestyles.
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 appealed to community leaders to support the campaign by mobilising residents to participate. He expressed confidence that the municipality would make a significant contribution toward the national screening target through the ongoing exercise. Mr. Abubakari emphasised that knowing one's blood pressure status could save lives and encouraged residents not to wait until complications developed before seeking medical attention.
World Hypertension Day is observed globally on May 17 each year to raise awareness about hypertension and encourage regular blood pressure checks. The day 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 annual observance promotes healthy lifestyles 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.