Residents of Lagos turned out in the early hours of Saturday for the “HYMAP Walk Against Silent Hypertension,” a health awareness event organised to educate Nigerians on the dangers of high blood pressure and the importance of regular medical checks.
The event, held to commemorate World Hypertension Day Eve, commenced at about 7:00 a.m. at 12 Ladipo Kuku Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos. Volunteers, dressed in the HyMAP T-shirts embarked on a 4-kilometre awareness walk from Allen Avenue to Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, and back.
The campaign, themed “Check Am Before E Check You,” focused on encouraging members of the public to know their blood pressure status and take preventive health measures before complications arise.
Speaking during the event, the organiser a community pharmacist Dr.. Bridget Omoruwa German said the major aim of the event is to raise awareness on silent hypertension in Nigeria starting from Lagos with the aim of covering the whole Nigeria which will be of benefits to citizens especially those that are unaware that they are living with high blood pressure until serious complications occur.
The awareness walk attracted healthcare professionals, volunteers, and concerned residents who joined in spreading the message across major roads in Ikeja. Participants carried placards and engaged passers by stating various needs for regular blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) checks.
Free medical services including blood pressure checks, BMI screening, and health talks were provided for members of the public at the event venue. Nurses and volunteers attended to participants while offering basic health advice and lifestyle recommendations aimed at preventing hypertension and related illnesses.
