New Telegraph-Admin 
…champions hypertension awareness walk
Managing Director of May & Baker Nigeria PLC, Patrick Ajah has called on Nigerians to prioritise health screening with a view to ensure the prevention of diseases, early detection of ailments as well as using the measure to boost wellness among citizens.
He made the call during the May & Baker Nigeria Plc 80th Anniversary Hypertension Awareness Walk organised by the company in Lagos recently. During the walk organised by May & Baker as part of activities to mark the company’s 80 years in the industry, Ajah encouraged everyone to visit their healthcare provider at least once a year for a comprehensive health assessment, adding, “Early detection is key.”
The walk was attended by staff and management of the company which was established on September 4, 1944, as Nigeria’s first pharmaceutical company. He also addressed concerns regarding the affordability of medications. “While the costs of drugs have risen, local manufacturers like May & Baker are committed to providing accessible healthcare solutions.
We are dedicated to ensuring that our products remain available and affordable,” he stated. Similarly, the managing director/CEO of May & Baker Nigeria Plc highlighted the company’s ongoing health initiatives, particularly focusing on addressing hypertension and other lifestyle changes including regular health screening to improve the wellness of Nigerians.
The event took participants from May & Baker Office at Sapara Street, off Oba Akran through Mobil Roundabout, Moshalasi Alhaja where they distributed information education and communication (IEC) materials to pedestrians. From there, participants walked to PenCinema Agege, which was the second stop point where The stop at Agege under Bridge provided the opportunity for May & Baker to provide free hypertension checks for interested persons who had converged to watch and listen to awareness talks on hypertension and blood sugar control as well as their management.
Thereafter, the participants walked through Oba Ogunji Road to Akilo Spare Parts Shops Lane which was the third stop point and from there, they returned through Mobil to May & Baker at Sapara Street.
While speaking on hypertension, Ajah said hypertension is a significant health concern in Nigeria, often leading to sudden health crises. Ajah emphasised the importance of simple interventions, such as regular blood pressure checks, which does not require extensive lab tests. “Most people are walking around unaware that their blood pressure is elevated.
We aim to change that through awareness and education,” he explained. He highlighted critical lifestyle changes Nigerians can adopt to reduce hypertension risk. “First and foremost, understanding family medical history is crucial. Regular blood pressure checks should be a routine part of healthcare,” he advised.
He also pointed out the importance of diet and monitoring blood sugar levels, especially for those with diabetes, as the combination of diabetes and hypertension significantly increases health risks. He referred to the term “dangerous alliance,” used in his previous workplace to describe the heightened risks faced by individuals who are both diabetic and hypertensive.
“It’s vital for people to be aware of their health status and to seek medical advice when necessary. Many believe that once their blood pressure is back to normal, they are fine. However, hypertension often requires lifelong management,” Ajah cautioned. Reflecting on the company’s history, Ajah detailed how May & Baker has evolved over the past 80 years.
“We’ve been involved in various health initiatives, from vaccine management to anti-malaria medications. Products like nivaquine have been instrumental in malaria management, and our M&B paracetamol has become a household name,” he noted.
