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AUDA, Qalbun Noor sensitise Suleja women on BP

December 21, 2025

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AUDA, Qalbun Noor sensitise Suleja women on BP

Story by Tawheed Yakub

Amid growing concerns over the rising incidence of blood pressure related conditions among women in Suleja, Niger State, the Arewa Unity and Development Association (AUDA), in collaboration with the Qalbun Noor Muslim Youths Foundation, has organised a health sensitisation programme aimed at saving lives through awareness, education, and early detection.

The programme, which attracted dozens of women from across the community, was organised in response to recent observations of increasing high-risk blood pressure cases among women. It began with an opening prayer, after which participants were taken through a series of enlightening health talks and practical medical sessions.

Speaking at the event, the first guest speaker, Malama Fadila Sagir, described high blood pressure as a silent but dangerous condition.

“High blood pressure often shows no early signs, yet it can damage vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Awareness and regular checks are key to prevention,” she said.

Her presentation sparked an interactive session, as participants openly shared concerns and asked questions related to their health challenges.

The second speaker, Hajia Hauwa Adamu Aso, focused on helping the women understand the symptoms of both high and low blood pressure, stressing that neither condition should be ignored.

“Some people think only high blood pressure is dangerous, but low blood pressure can also cause serious complications if not properly managed,” she explained.

Adding a professional medical perspective, Mrs Munirat Lukman Balogun, a nurse, alongside Miss Mudi’a Yusuf, educated the women on lifestyle choices that significantly affect blood pressure levels. They emphasised moderation in salt intake, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and stress reduction.

One of the most engaging moments of the programme came during the question and answer session, when an attendee raised a practical concern.

“If too much salt can cause high blood pressure, can someone with low blood pressure take plenty of salt in food?” the participant asked.

Responding, the health experts clarified that while salt may help raise low blood pressure in some cases, it should not be consumed excessively through regular meals. Instead, they advised that salt may be taken in a controlled manner, such as dissolving a measured quantity in beverages like 7Up, Coke, or Sprite, only when medically appropriate and as advised. The prescription and guidance were clearly explained to the attendees.

After the lectures, a free blood pressure screening exercise was conducted for all participants. Results showed that approximately 70 per cent of those screened had normal blood pressure, 20 per cent recorded high blood pressure, while 10 per cent were found to have low blood pressure readings.

Women with abnormal results were given personalised advice on steps to stabilise their blood pressure and were encouraged to seek follow-up medical care where necessary.

Speaking on the purpose of the programme, the organiser from AUDA, Mrs Maimuna Idris Muhammad, said the initiative was driven by concern for women’s wellbeing.

“Many women focus on caring for others while neglecting their own health. This programme is about reminding them that their health matters too,” she said.

The organisers, Arewa Unity and Development Association, known for its humanitarian and community development interventions, and Qalbun Noor Muslim Youths Foundation, recognised for its humanitarian and faith-based initiatives, reaffirmed their commitment to sustained health education in Suleja.

They described the sensitisation program as part of a broader effort to reduce preventable health risks through awareness, early detection, and simple, practical lifestyle changes.

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