Hypertension management takes centre stage in Nigeria

TOWARDS ensuring the availability of affordable medicines for sustained management of hypertension among Nigerians, Aprovasc, a fixed-dose combination treatment was recently introduced from the stable of Sanofi Nigeria. Introduction of the new drug, combined with the continual support of establishing clinics for the better management of the disease, is in direct response to the healthcare needs of patients with hypertension in Nigeria.

L-R: Head of Medical and Regulatory, Sanofi Nigeria/Ghana, Dr. Inoussa Fiffen; Deputy Managing Director, Maayoit Healthcare Limited, Dr. Ademola Aderigbigbe; Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Prof. Adewale Oke; at the official launch of new blood pressure control drug, Aprovasc by Sanofi Aventis at Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, last week.

Speaking at the formal launch in Lagos, General Manager, Sanofi Nigeria-Ghana, Abderrahmane Chakibi, stated: “By introducing a new anti-hypertensive treatment, Sanofi demonstrates its commitment to patients through improving access to high quality solutions in the field of hypertension management in Nigeria.
“This is another example of Sanofi’s engagement to always provide advanced and innovative treatments in response to patients’ specific needs with the highest efficacy and comfort.
“This unique combination is the result of years of development, clinical studies and safety proofing.”
“Through leveraging Aprovasc availability in Nigeria, Sanofi will continue to contribute to making the lives of Nigerian hypertensive patients healthier,” Chakibi stated.
With the new antihypertensive medication, Sanofi now offers a wide range of treatment options for patients with hypertension. In Nigeria, about 28.9 percent of the population has raised blood pressure while about 82 percent are not aware of this disease condition. People with uncontrolled hypertension are exposed to many complications including stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and problems with vision.