Health experts have raised concerns over the low rate of routine vital sign monitoring among Nigerians, warning that many preventable illnesses are detected late because people rarely undergo regular health checks recommended by health authorities such as the World Health Organization.
The experts said basic health indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar levels and body weight are often overlooked, limiting opportunities for early diagnosis, treatment and effective management of potentially serious health conditions.
Dr Ibrahim Yusuf, a Consultant Family Physician at General Hospital Suleja, said regular health checks remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to identify health problems before they become severe.
He explained that conditions such as hypertension and diabetes often develop without noticeable symptoms, making routine screening essential for early detection and prevention of life-threatening complications.
“Many people only visit health facilities when they are seriously ill. By then, diseases that could have been managed early may have progressed to dangerous stages,” Yusuf said.
He advised Nigerians, especially adults above 30 years and individuals with a family history of chronic diseases, to check their blood pressure and blood sugar levels regularly, even when they feel healthy.
A Public Health Specialist, Dr Amina Bello, attributed the poor uptake of routine health checks to factors such as inadequate health awareness, financial challenges, busy work schedules and fear of discovering an illness.
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Bello noted that some people wrongly assume they are healthy because they have no symptoms, while others rely on self-medication instead of preventive healthcare, increasing the risk of undiagnosed health conditions.
“Knowing your vital signs can save your life. Prevention is always cheaper and more effective than treating advanced diseases,” she said.
Some residents also identified cost, lack of time and misconceptions about illnesses as major reasons they do not monitor their health regularly.
A civil servant, Emmanuel James, admitted that he rarely checks his vital signs unless he falls ill, citing hospital expenses and work commitments as major barriers. “I don’t think about checking my vitals unless I’m sick. Time and hospital bills discourage me,” he said.
Similarly, a trader, Halima Musa, said she had never checked her blood sugar because she believed diabetes mainly affected older people. “I don’t have any symptoms, so I don’t see the need,” she said.
However, Chioma Okafor, a banker, said she monitors her blood pressure and weight monthly following her father’s diagnosis of hypertension. “I started after my father was diagnosed with hypertension. Early checks give me peace of mind and help me stay healthy,” she said.
The World Health Organization has encouraged governments, employers, healthcare providers and community organizations to strengthen public awareness campaigns and expand access to free or affordable health screening programmes.
The organization stressed that regular monitoring of vital signs is an important measure in preventing non-communicable diseases and reducing avoidable deaths.
NAN
