The Medical Director of General Hospital Mushin, Dr Oluyemi Taiwo, has revealed that diabetes and hypertension are common ailments among market traders.
Taiwo noted that these non-communicable diseases were worsened by factors such as poor dietary choices, financial constraints, and limited access to healthcare.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and premature death worldwide, with Nigeria seeing a dramatic increase in cases over the years.
The World Health Organisation estimated that diabetes affects 4.3 per cent of Nigeria’s population, while hypertension is a major contributor to non-communicable diseases, which cause 27 per cent of all mortality in the country.
While noting that Nigeria is the country with the highest incidence of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa, WHO also revealed that hypertension-related complications account for up to 25 per cent of emergency admissions in urban hospitals.
Speaking with punch during a free medical outreach programme organised by the hospital in conjunction with the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, the medical director, lamented that many market traders are unaware of the severity of the condition because they do not regularly monitor their blood pressure or have access to proper care.
While noting that some of the market traders were aware of their health status, Taiwo, however, said some could not afford the treatment or follow-up care they needed.
She stressed that the outreach was a step in bridging that gap by ensuring that more people were educated and empowered to take control of their health.
The medical director explained that the free medical outreach was aimed at addressing health challenges affecting market traders, particularly focusing on hypertension and diabetes.
“The commonest ailment we observe among market women is hypertension. Many are unaware of the severity of the condition because they do not regularly monitor their blood pressure or have access to proper care.
“Additionally, the lack of awareness about the dangers of poor eating habits contributes to the rising cases of diabetes,” she said.
She further stressed that the outreach was a part of the hospital’s ongoing efforts to provide healthcare services in locations that are most accessible to people in the community.
Taiwo added that the initiative also aims to educate the public on the importance of regular health checks, such as monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
“Education is key. You can’t just treat symptoms with over-the-counter drugs and hope for the best. Proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plans are essential for effective healthcare.
“We believe that by regularly engaging with the community, we can help prevent the onset of serious health issues through early intervention and education,” said Taiwo.