CONCEPT NOTE

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, remains a significant public health challenge globally, with Nigeria being no exception. An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years worldwide have hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries. An estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition. Less than half of adults (42%) with hypertension are diagnosed and treated.

Approximately 1 in 5 adults (21%) with hypertension have it under control. Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide. One of the global targets for non-communicable diseases is to reduce the prevalence of hypertension by 33% between 2010 and 2030.

In Nigeria, the estimated overall hypertension prevalence is 28.9% with a prevalence of 29.5% among men and 25.0% among women.

Why the Nigeria Hypertension Summit (NHS)?

Hypertension care often requires multiple stakeholders for proper and effective management. From the public health physician who advocates for prevention to the general practitioner who provides primary care and may be the one who makes the initial diagnosis to other health care professionals who are involved in the management of a hypertensive patient. 

It is important to convene all stakeholders to have an extensive conversation on hypertension care.

Premier Medical Systems, in partnership with medical associations with an interest in hypertension care, is organizing the Nigeria Hypertension Summit. This is planned as a three-day event to be held from Wednesday, March 20th, to Friday, March 22, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria. Theme: Empowering Healthcare Providers: Building Capacity for Effective Hypertension Management

The Nigeria Hypertension Summit (NHS 2024) aims to address this pressing issue of Hypertension by focusing on the theme, "Empowering Healthcare Providers: Building Capacity for Effective Hypertension Management." This summit is designed to bring together healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders to explore innovative strategies for improving hypertension management in Nigeria.

Objective

The primary objective of the summit is to empower healthcare providers with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to enhance their ability to effectively manage hypertension. By equipping healthcare professionals with up-to-date information and practical skills, we aim to improve patient outcomes, reduce the burden of hypertension-related complications, and contribute to the overall well-being of the Nigerian population.

Expected Outcomes

Enhanced Healthcare Provider Competence: Participants will gain updated knowledge and skills in hypertension management, fostering confidence and competence in their practice.

Improved Patient Outcomes: Implementation of evidence-based practices learned during the summit is expected to lead to better patient outcomes and reduced hypertension-related complications.

Collaborative Networks: The summit will provide a platform for networking and collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to hypertension management.

Informed Policymaking: Policymakers will gain insights into the current challenges and opportunities in hypertension management, leading to informed decision-making and policy formulation.

Conclusion

The Nigeria Hypertension Summit (NHS) 2024, with its theme of "Empowering Healthcare Providers: Building Capacity for Effective Hypertension Management," is a pivotal event in addressing the hypertension burden in Nigeria. By fostering collaboration, disseminating knowledge, and empowering healthcare providers, we aim to make significant strides in improving hypertension outcomes and contributing to the overall health and well-being of the Nigerian population.