Publications

Research outputs, reports, policy briefs and knowledge products from KIU scholars and partners.

2026 Faculty of Biomedical Sciences NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES (NIJRMS)

Public Health Interventions for Hypertension in Africa: A Case Study in Nigeria

Bizimana Rukundo T.

Hypertension, often referred to as the "silent killer," is a growing public health challenge in Nigeria, with alarming rates of prevalence and significant implications for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, kidney failure, and premature mortality. The rising burden of hypertension in Nigeria is fueled by urbanization, unhealthy lifestyles, poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, high alcohol consumption, and tobacco use. Despite its recognition as a critical health issue, many Nigerians remain undiagnosed or inadequately treated, especially in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. Public health interventions, including awareness campaigns, screening programs, and government initiatives, have been implemented to address hypertension, but their effectiveness has been hindered by inadequate resources, poor policy implementation, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure. This review evaluates the current public health interventions aimed at hypertension control in Nigeria, identifies challenges faced in their implementation, and suggests strategies for improvement. By providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of existing programs, this study aims to inform policy, enhance healthcare access, and improve hypertension management in Nigeria, offering lessons for other African nations grappling with similar challenges.