Ola Akinwunmi
A professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Adeseye Akintunde, has sounded the alarm on the growing threat of cardiovascular diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, urging immediate policy reforms and early diagnosis to stem the tide.
Delivering LAUTECH’s 64th inaugural lecture on Tuesday at the university’s Ogbomoso campus in Oyo State, Akintunde warned that heart-related ailments are becoming a silent epidemic, driven by rapid urbanisation, poor lifestyle choices, and limited public awareness.
In his lecture, titled “The Heart and Its Venomous Whispers of Disorders,” the professor highlighted the urgent need for interprofessional collaboration in addressing what he described as the leading cause of death globally.
“The rising toll of hypertension, stroke, and heart failure in sub-Saharan Africa is alarming,” he said. “Obesity, sedentary living, and poor health literacy are fuelling a crisis that demands both personal responsibility and structural health reforms.”
Akintunde emphasized the power of early detection and encouraged citizens to regularly monitor key health metrics: blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and body weight. He coined the mantra “Know your numbers” as a simple but vital tool in preventing cardiovascular emergencies.
He also made a broader appeal to health policymakers, calling for comprehensive national strategies to integrate cardiovascular screening and education into primary healthcare systems.
“Grace, grit, and gratitude define my journey,” Akintunde concluded. “When the heart beats with purpose, greatness is achievable.”
The lecture not only spotlighted the growing cardiovascular burden in Africa but also served as a rallying cry for a healthier, more proactive society.
