World Hypertension Day: Kano Residents Troop Out for BP Screening as Project HOPE, Resolve to Save Lives Expand Outreach
By Ayeeshat J. Ahmad
Hundreds of residents across Kano State turned out for blood pressure screening during a facility-based outreach organised by Resolve to Save Lives and Project HOPE and Clinton Health Access Initiative CHAI as part of activities marking the 2026 World Hypertension Day commemoration.
The outreach, conducted across selected high-volume Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) under the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board (PHCMB), focused on early detection, treatment and management of hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure.
The exercise was carried out at Badume PHC in Bichi zone, Utai PHC in Wudil zone, Ja’en PHC in Gwale zone, Hotoro PHC in Nasarawa zone, Dadinkowa MPHC in Rano zone, and Danguguwa PHC in Dawakin Tofa zone.
At Ja’en PHC in Gwale Local Government Area, residents trooped out in large numbers for screening, reflecting growing awareness about hypertension, often described by health experts as a “silent killer.”
The Officer In-Charge of Ja’en PHC, Yusif Adamu Muhammad, disclosed that the facility screens more than 210 people daily, with at least 20 persons testing positive for hypertension every day.
“We are witnessing a high turnout because people now understand the importance of checking their blood pressure regularly. Out of over 210 people we screen daily, at least 20 are diagnosed with hypertension,” he said.
He explained that sustained awareness campaigns by health workers have helped reduce severe complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension, as many residents now visit health facilities before their condition deteriorates.
One of the beneficiaries, 52-year-old Hajiya Rabi Musa, a trader in Gwale, said she discovered she had high blood pressure during a previous outreach programme.
“I used to experience frequent headaches and dizziness, but I thought it was stress from work. After the test, they discovered my blood pressure was high and immediately advised me on treatment and food to avoid. Since then, I have been monitoring my health regularly,” she said.
Another resident, Zainabu Ibrahim, a pregnant woman who attended the outreach at Ja’en PHC, said she decided to participate after hearing health workers sensitising women in her community.
“I came because they told us pregnant women also need to know their blood pressure status. The nurses tested me and advised me on how to take care of myself during pregnancy. I am happy I came early,” she said.
At Badume PHC in Bichi zone, health workers said women made up the majority of residents seeking blood pressure checks during the outreach.
One of them, Hajiya Maryam Sani, a mother who gave birth to triplets three different times, said she never believed she could have hypertension because she remained active caring for her large family.
“I normally feel strong because I am always busy with my children. But when they checked me, they discovered my blood pressure was high. They advised me to reduce stress and continue checking regularly,” she said.
Another woman, Hafsat Bello, said she was shocked after nurses informed her that she had high blood pressure despite living peacefully with her husband.
“I was surprised because I don’t usually get angry or have family problems. I live peacefully with my husband, so I never thought I could have hypertension. The nurses explained that anyone can develop it, even without symptoms,” she said.
Similarly, at Danguguwa PHC in Dawakin Tofa zone, Nawara Sani Shawai, the LGA focal person, disclosed that more than 31 residents were screened during an outreach conducted at the ward head’s residence.
She noted that taking services directly to communities had improved access for elderly residents and women who rarely visit health facilities.
The facilities also disclosed that most of the blood pressure measuring devices currently in use were procured through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) business plan support.
While Danguguwa PHC was said to have enough blood pressure apparatus, officials at Badume PHC and Ja’en PHC lamented shortages, especially considering the growing number of people seeking screening services daily.
Officials at Ja’en PHC appealed to the government and development partners to provide additional blood pressure machines to improve service delivery.
“With the number of patients we attend to every day, we urgently need more BP apparatus to sustain the screening exercise and improve access to care,” Yusif Adamu Muhammad added.
Speaking during the outreach, Reagan Agba, State Team Lead of Project HOPE in Kano, said the programme formed part of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Hypertension Day.
He explained that unlike previous years when outreaches were conducted mainly within Kano metropolis, this year’s intervention was extended to communities outside the city centre to expand access to screening and treatment services.
“Our goal is to create awareness and sensitise the public about hypertension, while expanding access to screening, diagnosis and management of hypertension at the grassroots level to prevent complications associated with the disease,” he said.
Project HOPE and Resolve to Save Lives and Clinton Health Access Initiative CHAI are supporting efforts to tackle hypertension in Kano through awareness campaigns, blood pressure screening, and improved healthcare services.
The organisations work with government and health facilities to strengthen hypertension prevention, early detection, and treatment at the community level, with the aim of reducing complications and deaths linked to high blood pressure across the state.
Pulse Time Nigeria reports that the outreach was organised to tackle the growing burden of hypertension and improve early detection and treatment among communities across Kano State.