By Gom Mirian
Nearly 40 percent of adults in Africa between the ages 30 to 79 are hypertensive, with only 25 percent of them taking Medicines, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director, Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti has said.
Dr. Moeti who disclosed this on Wednesday in a message to Mark the 2023 world hypertension Day, added that only 11 percent of people taking medications successfully maintain optimal blood pressure control.
Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) mostly heart attack, stroke, and heart failure which account for a significant burden of premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer’, Moeti said the theme is aimed at drawing attention to combatting the low level of awareness of hypertension as well as the limited availability of calibrated devices for accurate blood pressure measurement. Stating that there are safe and affordable treatment options for hypertension, including pharmacologic and behavior-change interventions.
She said: “WHO has prioritized decentralized management and care for NCDs including management of hypertension, using the WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable disease interventions for primary healthcare.
“In addition, the WHO has published a guidance on the technical specification for automated blood pressure monitoring devices to ensure improved access to accurate, affordable blood pressure devices which is often a significant barrier to proper medical care in low-resource settings.
“We need to regularly check our blood pressure and in case it is raised, adhere to medications as prescribed by the health provider.
“We can fight hypertension and the responsibility starts with us as individuals and as communities taking control of our health and well-being.
“We need to adopt healthy lifestyles such as reducing salt intake, increasing portions of fruits and vegetable consumption, increasing physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption”, she said.
She added that governments in Africa can lead the way by implementing their commitments through policies and programmes that address the root causes of hypertension, promote healthy environments, and improve access to healthcare services.
