The 2026 Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Hypertension Society has officially commenced at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), marking the beginning of a series of activities focused on raising awareness about hypertension and improving cardiovascular health across Nigeria.
The event, hosted in partnership with RSUTH under the leadership of its Chief Medical Director, Prof. Chizindu Akubudike Alikor, attracted healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and public health advocates from different parts of the country.
The opening activities began on June 21 with a Hypertension Awareness and Prevention Walk through parts of Port Harcourt. The exercise, led by Prof. Alikor, was designed to educate the public on the importance of preventing, detecting, and effectively managing high blood pressure.
Participants included the President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, Prof. Nzezuo Simeon, alongside medical personnel and staff members of RSUTH.
Following the awareness walk, both Prof. Alikor and Prof. Nzezuo addressed journalists during a media briefing, emphasizing the growing burden of hypertension in Nigeria and the need for increased public awareness, routine screening, and timely treatment to reduce related health complications.
The conference activities continued with a pre-conference workshop attended by healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and other medical practitioners. The workshop focused on current trends, research findings, and best practices in hypertension prevention and management.
As part of efforts to engage young people in health education, organizers also hosted debate and essay writing competitions at the RSUTH Annex along the Port Harcourt–Aba Expressway. Students from 10 secondary schools across Port Harcourt participated in the event.
The participating schools included Enitonia High School, Federal Government College Rumuokoro, Government Secondary School Elekahia, Archdeacon Brown Education Centre, Government Comprehensive Secondary School Borikiri, Deeper Life High School, Redeemers International Secondary School, Charles Dale Memorial International School, Federal Government Girls College Abuloma, and Bloombreed Academy.
Students competed in an essay contest themed, “Hypertension in Young Nigerians: A Silent Epidemic – What Can We Do?” while debate participants argued the motion, “Lifestyle Modification Is More Effective Than Drug Therapy in the Management of Hypertension.”
Organizers said the competitions were designed to encourage greater awareness among young Nigerians about healthy lifestyle choices and the long-term impact of hypertension.
The day’s activities concluded with a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi.
The conference is expected to continue with scientific sessions, expert presentations, and discussions aimed at advancing hypertension research, prevention strategies, and patient care in Nigeria.
