world hypertension day

Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia

In the words of the World Hypertension League (WHL), hypertension is “a driving force behind the global epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and a major risk factor for death and disability worldwide.” World Hypertension Day, established by the WHL in 2005, aims to raise awareness of this silent killer and galvanize global action to combat hypertension. This year's theme is “Call” “Accurately measure and manage your blood pressure to live longer.”

It is estimated that more than 294 million people in the Southeast Asia region live with hypertension. Excessive salt intake, tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, stress, and air pollution are major risk factors for the increased prevalence of hypertension.

Early detection and control are important. Half of adults with hypertension are not aware that they have high blood pressure, and nearly one in six have uncontrolled blood pressure. If left uncontrolled, it can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and early death. Limited access to affordable health services for hypertension is one of the main reasons for the low universal service coverage index in most countries in the region, and lack of access to quality health services. Access is affected.

Prevention and control of hypertension is recognized as a priority in our region. “SEAHEARTS: Accelerating cardiovascular disease prevention and control in the Southeast Asia region” is an initiative approved by the 76th Regional Commission in 2023. This is considered the world's largest expansion of cardiovascular disease prevention and management in primary health care. “Dhaka Call to Action – Accelerate the management of cardiovascular disease in a quarter of the world’s population” is his SEAHEARTS call to put 100 million hypertensive and diabetic patients on protocol-based management by 2025. Provide guidance on achieving milestones.

Countries in the region have introduced evidence-based strategies to reduce associated risk factors. Encouragingly, trends show that tobacco use and exposure to household air pollution are decreasing. Notably, four countries have initiated measures to eliminate trans fats from their domestic food supply chains. The two countries have introduced standards on labeling and marketing to provide consumers with the information they need to make healthier dietary choices.

Several countries have set national targets to improve the management of hypertension and diabetes in primary health care settings. These efforts include revising evidence-based clinical protocols to align with the WHO HEARTS technology package, implementing team-based care approaches, and increasing the availability and accessibility of essential medicines and equipment. This includes: In particular, it is estimated that across the region more than 24 million hypertensive patients are treated in public health facilities.

Nevertheless, efforts in hypertension prevention and control need to be further strengthened to achieve global and national targets, including those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and SEAHEARTS milestones. there is.

Our region is advocating for action in five key areas:

First, reduce risk factors for hypertension by implementing the WHO technical package on tobacco control, salt reduction, elimination of trans fats, promotion of physical activity, and reduction of air pollution.

Second, accelerate the coverage and management of hypertension in primary health care by strengthening interventions outlined in WHO HEARTS and the WHO Essential Noncommunicable Disease Intervention Package.

Third, establish and regularly monitor national hypertension targets and indicators to strengthen accountability and track progress towards SEAHEARTS milestones.

Fourth, ensure the integration of hypertension prevention and control services with other national programs such as maternal and child health, tuberculosis and HIV programmes.