Hypertension: LISDEL demands affordable care as only 1 in 8 Nigerians has BP under control
By Ojoma Akor
ABUJA, September 29, 2026 — The Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL) has called on the Nigerian government to make hypertension screening, treatment and follow-up more affordable and accessible, warning that increased awareness of high blood pressure will have limited impact if patients cannot sustain treatment.
LISDEL made the call on Tuesday in a statement to mark this year’s World Heart Day, joining the World Heart Federation’s “Don’t Miss a Beat” campaign and highlighting the country’s low hypertension control rate. The program director, Damilola Ademuyiwa, signed the statement.
The organization said only 12.4 percent of Nigerians living with hypertension have their blood pressure under control, despite an estimated adult hypertension prevalence of 38.1 percent.
It said the figures show the challenge goes beyond encouraging Nigerians to “know their numbers” and requires sustained investment in diagnosis, medicines, follow-up care, and health insurance coverage.
“Knowing your numbers is the first step, not the destination,” LISDEL said. “A free blood pressure check today means little if the patient cannot afford medicines next month.”
According to the organization, cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for an estimated 29 percent of deaths in Nigeria, while the number of Nigerians living with hypertension is projected to increase to 39.1 million by 2030, compared with 20.8 million in 2010.
LISDEL also noted that hypertension is increasingly affecting younger Nigerians, with prevalence recorded at 6.8 percent among adults below 30 years.
Cost of treatment a major barrier
The civil society organization said many Nigerians pay out of pocket for blood pressure checks, consultations and medicines, leading some patients to interrupt treatment when they can no longer afford the cost.
It further raised concerns about low health insurance coverage, particularly among informal sector workers, and limited awareness among some enrollees about the hypertension services covered by their insurance schemes.
LISDEL said Nigeria has evidence that improved hypertension control is possible when treatment is adequately supported.
It cited the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria program, which implemented the World Health Organization’s HEARTS package across 60 primary healthcare facilities. According to LISDEL, the program increased hypertension control from 22 percent in 2020 to 56 percent in 2023.
The organization said the experience should inform the nationwide expansion and financing of hypertension services.
Calls for stronger health financing
LISDEL urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to make hypertension screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up routine at the primary healthcare level.
It called for functional blood pressure equipment, trained health workers and reliable supplies of essential medicines, while urging government to translate the National Non-Communicable Disease Strategic Plan and Multisectoral Action Plan into funded annual operational plans.
The organization also called on the Federal Ministry of Finance to provide predictable financing for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including timely release and effective utilization of approved funds.
For the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and state health insurance agencies, LISDEL called for comprehensive coverage of hypertension consultations, essential diagnostic services and medicines in benefit packages.
It also urged the insurance agencies to expand enrolment among informal sector workers and vulnerable populations.
CSO seeks National Assembly action
LISDEL further called on the National Assembly to strengthen oversight of health budget releases, and advance proposed health-financing reforms.
Among the measures it highlighted was amending the National Health Act to increase the Basic Health Care Provision Fund from one per cent to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
It also called for passage of the Customs and Excise amendment on sugar-sweetened beverages, with a portion of the resulting revenue ringfenced for NCD interventions.
LISDEL urged the Presidency to treat cardiovascular health as a national development priority and give timely assent to health-financing reforms once they complete the legislative process.
The public was urged to take preventive measures.
While calling for greater government investment, LISDEL urged Nigerians to regularly monitor their blood pressure, adhere to prescribed treatment, and enroll in health insurance schemes.
It also advised citizens to reduce their intake of salt and seasoning cubes and maintain an active lifestyle.
The organization said it would continue its World Heart Day campaign under its Advocacy Partnership for Hypertension Financing and Patient Voice (APH-FiP) project, supported by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).
The campaign includes street interviews with citizens, patients, civil society organizations, and government officials, focusing on heart health, the cost of hypertension care, and health insurance.
LISDEL said the campaign will continue throughout the cardiovascular disease awareness month and conclude on World Stroke Day on October 29, 2026.
