Anambra State has announced free hypertension checks 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, Afam Obidike, disclosed this during a press briefing held in Awka on Tuesday.

According to the commissioner, the programme is aimed at raising awareness about hypertension, which he described as one of the deadliest non-communicable diseases globally.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s event, “Controlling Hypertension Together, Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly and Defeat the Silent Killer,” Obidike noted that hypertension remains a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases worldwide.

He said the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo had identified hypertension as a major public health threat and was intensifying efforts to combat the disease.

Obidike explained that 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 BP,” he said.

He added that the free checks are available to all residents regardless of tribe, ethnicity, or religion across state-owned hospitals, including Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital and the General Hospital, Enugwukwu.

The commissioner also linked the initiative to the advocacy campaign of the governor’s wife, Nonye Soludo, through her “Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo” programme.

“We urge the people to check their blood pressure weekly, eat healthy meals, exercise regularly, and reduce excessive alcohol consumption to avoid sudden death,” Obidike advised.

He further appreciated the support of the World Health Organization and Population Services International in the campaign against hypertension.

Also speaking, the State Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator, Adaku Ego, said the state organised free screening, treatment programmes, and road sensitisation campaigns between May 17 and May 19 to commemorate the event.

World Hypertension Day is observed annually on May 17 to raise awareness about hypertension, its health risks, and the importance of prevention and early detection.