The Anambra State Government has announced free hypertension screening for residents across primary healthcare centres and general hospitals in the state as part of activities marking the 2026 World Hypertension Day.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed this during a press briefing in Awka on Tuesday.

Obidike said the annual event provides an opportunity to raise awareness about hypertension, describing it as one of the deadliest non-communicable diseases globally.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Controlling Hypertension Together: Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly and Defeat the Silent Killer,” the commissioner said hypertension remains a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, affecting about one billion people worldwide.

He said the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo has prioritised tackling hypertension through awareness campaigns and preventive healthcare measures.

According to him, the state government introduced the “Solution Know Your Number” initiative to encourage residents to monitor their blood pressure regularly.

“We have mapped out proactive measures for adequate sensitisation of Ndi Anambra to access medications they need for effective management and treatment of blood pressure,” Obidike said.

He noted that the free checks are available to all residents regardless of tribe, ethnicity or religion.

The screening exercise is ongoing in state-owned health facilities, including Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku-Awka, and General Hospital, Enugwu-Ukwu.

“We urge people to check their blood pressure regularly, maintain healthy diets, exercise frequently and reduce excessive alcohol consumption to avoid sudden death,” he added.

Obidike warned that untreated hypertension could result in complications such as kidney disease and stroke.

He also commended the World Health Organisation and Population Services International for supporting health interventions in the state.

Also speaking, the State Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator, Mrs Adaku Ego, said activities marking the day included free screening and treatment programmes held from May 17 to May 19, alongside public sensitisation campaigns.

Representatives of the World Health Organisation, Population Services International and the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency attended the briefing.

World Hypertension Day is observed annually on May 17 to promote awareness, prevention and control of high blood pressure globally.