Work

Estimating investment costs to improve hypertension care in Lagos, Nigeria

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) house 66% of all hypertension patients, many of whom are undertreated, leading to severe health risks and higher healthcare costs. This study examined the required investments to improve hypertension control in Lagos, Nigeria, using real-world medical records and cost data. We found that both adherence to consultations and medications according to guidelines was significantly associated with reduction of a 5–6 mmHg in systolic blood pressure. These reductions correspond to a 6–14% decrease in cardiovascular complication risk and would require an average annual investment of USD 120 per patient. The medication costs being the main cost driver. Statewide, providing complete care for all hypertension patients would require an annual investment of $300 million, or $5,000 to $13,000 per saved life year. The identified required investments are currently far outside an acceptable range when comparing to the GDP of Lagos State, Nigeria. To make chronic care investments feasible, hypertension management must become more efficient, including reducing high medication costs through bulk purchasing, adopting innovative, group based blended care models, and increasing health insurance coverage.

Source: Communications Medicine

DOI: 10.1038/s43856-026-01660-0