To commemorate World Hypertension Day, the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) partnered with the Rivers State Hospital Management Board and the Nigerian Cardiac Society to organize a free cardiovascular health outreach at the Civil Servants Clinic, State Secretariat. The event, themed “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,” provided free blood pressure checks, electrocardiograms (ECGs), cardiac consultations, and medications to over 100 civil servants and members of the public.

Prof. Chizindu Alikor, RSUTH Chief Medical Director and National Secretary General of the Nigerian Cardiac Society, emphasized the importance of hypertension awareness, noting that “three to five out of every ten adults are hypertensive, yet a third remain undiagnosed.” He warned that uncontrolled hypertension can lead to stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.

The outreach, coordinated by Dr. Mina Tele-Ikuru, Medical Director of the Civil Servants Clinic, featured a health talk by Dr. Rita Wakama, Senior Registrar at RSUTH, who educated participants on hypertension’s causes, dangers, and prevention. Dr. Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services at the Rivers State Ministry of Health and Dr Ishmael Jaja, director of Medical services at the Rivers State Hospitals Management Board also supported the initiative, highlighting the government’s commitment to preventive healthcare.

The event drew a strong turnout and received positive feedback, marking a significant step in promoting heart health and early detection among civil servants. It reinforced the need for regular monitoring and lifestyle changes to combat hypertension.

RSUTHMEDIA