In anticipation of this year’s World Heart Day, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, a leading pharmaceutical company, has launched a hypertension awareness campaign across the streets of Lagos. This initiative aims to promote early detection and prevention of heart-related diseases.
May & Baker emphasized the importance of regular health checkups, including blood pressure monitoring, as a preventive measure against hypertension. The company, in celebration of its 80th anniversary, conducted free blood pressure checks and offered lifestyle tips such as healthy eating and regular exercise to help individuals manage their blood pressure.
Pharm. Patrick Ajah, Managing Director of May & Baker Nigeria Plc, explained that the “Walk-for-Life” event was part of their ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility and address critical health issues in Nigeria.
“Hypertension is a silent killer, and early detection is crucial in preventing serious complications,” Ajah said. “Without early detection, there is a high risk of sudden death. It is more cost-effective to prevent the condition by maintaining regular medical checkups, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and monitoring cholesterol levels.”
Ajah advised Nigerians to regularly check their blood pressure and be mindful of their diet to reduce the risk of heart-related diseases. He highlighted that many common foods and beverages could contribute to heart issues, but these risks could be mitigated with early detection and lifestyle changes.
“Reducing salt intake and eating more fruits and vegetables can help manage blood pressure. Fruits like bananas and oranges are particularly beneficial,” he noted. “It is also essential to limit alcohol consumption and smoking.”
On the rising cost of medications, Ajah attributed it to fluctuations in the exchange rate and the naira’s value. He urged the Federal Government to address these issues to stabilize drug prices.
“Unless the Federal Government intervenes to control the exchange rate and strengthen the naira, the cost of drugs and other goods will continue to rise,” Ajah said. “Most raw materials used for production are imported, and there is a limit to what companies can do. We remain committed to keeping our products affordable despite these challenges.”
Ajah also pledged that May & Baker would continue its commitment to research, human capacity development, and harnessing innovative technologies and partnerships to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.