Scaling Up Hypertension Control in Nigeria: Policies, Health Systems and Practice
Project HOPE proudly participated in the 25th Annual Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Hypertension Society (NHS), a premier platform that convened key stakeholders in Nigeria’s hypertension response—from government agencies and academics to implementing partners and the private sector. Dr. Costa Atori, Acting Country Representative of Project HOPE Nigeria, led the organization’s representation with a compelling oral presentation and active participation in a high-level panel discussion. This engagement reinforced Project HOPE’s leadership role in shaping national conversations on hypertension control.
Key Highlights of Project HOPE’s Engagement:
Oral Abstract Presentation – “Scaling Impact in NHCI States”:
Dr. Costa Atori delivered a well-received oral presentation titled “Scaling Impact: Primary Health Care-Based Hypertension Control in NHCI States – A Model for National Scale-Up,” highlighting results from the Nigeria Hypertension Control Initiative (NHCI), implemented by Project HOPE in Kano and Ogun States. Key achievements shared include:
- Over 1.2 million adults screened
- Diagnosed cases surged from 11,348 to 97,368
- 23,117 patients actively under care
- Retention improved from 894 to 13,084
- 39% of patients achieved blood pressure control
The presentation underscored the value of WHO HEARTS technical package, task-shifting, and the use of DHIS2 digital tools in delivering scalable and effective hypertension care at the PHC level.
View the entire presentation >>
High-Level Panel Discussion on Hypertension Management in Nigeria:
Dr. Costa also contributed to a dynamic panel session titled “Evaluating Initiatives on Hypertension Management in Nigeria – Success Stories and Challenges of Community-Based Programs,” offering insights into:
- Implementation lessons from NHCI
- Community engagement strategies
- Challenges in retention, patient tracking, and service integration
- The role of strong PHC systems in sustaining hypertension control efforts
Project HOPE’s Positioning:
Project HOPE’s strong presence at the NHS conference reaffirmed its strategic role in advancing hypertension response in Nigeria through:
- Evidence-based and scalable care models
- Strengthening primary health systems for NCDs
- Strategic collaboration with government and partners
- Influencing policy and technical direction for scale-up
This engagement reflects Project HOPE’s ongoing commitment to achieving equitable, data-driven, and sustainable hypertension control in Nigeria.
