Many Nigerians unknowingly live with serious health conditions due to poor awareness and limited access to healthcare. Experts warn that early detection can save lives.
In Nigeria, where healthcare access remains uneven, many people unknowingly live with dangerous but treatable health conditions. Experts warn that the tendency to dismiss symptoms or resort to self-medication worsens outcomes.
Commonly overlooked conditions include hypertension, which affects an estimated 76.2 million adults, and diabetes, now impacting over 11 million people nationwide, according to experts like Zubairu Iliyasu of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
Chronic kidney disease is often a result of untreated hypertension or diabetes. Hepatitis B and C silently damage the liver for years, while glaucoma quietly robs sight—accounting for 16.7% of blindness cases.
Among women, cervical cancer remains a major concern, with over 12,000 cases annually. Prostate cancer, the most common in men, often shows subtle symptoms.
Meanwhile, mental health disorders remain largely misunderstood and stigmatised, leading to widespread neglect.
Healthcare authorities urge Nigerians to prioritise regular check-ups and seek professional care early, as early detection is crucial for effective treatment and long-term wellbeing.