Today, 7 April 2013, we commemorate World Health Day to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. This year's commemoration is focused on the theme ‘Hypertension’ which is a public health problem of global concern.
Hypertension or high blood pressure already affects one billion people worldwide. It is a major concern in the African Region where, in the year 2000, an estimated 80 million adults were affected. Without preventive action, an estimated 150 million people will suffer from hypertension in the Region by 2025.
Hypertension is a silent killer that can affect anyone. Most of the people affected by hypertension are often not even aware of the disease and its complications. The effects of hypertension, over time, may include heart attack, kidney failure, stroke, premature death and disability. Unhealthy lifestyles – unbalanced diet, lack of exercise, smoking, harmful use of alcohol – coupled with stress, all increase the chances of development of high blood pressure.
The disease is a drain on the financial resources of the majority of the affected people who become chronically ill or die as a result. In some cases, patients forgo care-seeking for high blood pressure in the early stages because they are unable to access it. The results are devastating as early death, disability, loss of income, diminished workforce, and health care spending take their toll on families, communities and national health budgets.
In recent times, there have been new opportunities to tackle hypertension. Countries in the African Region have committed themselves to strengthening the prevention and control of hypertension and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by adopting the Brazzaville Declaration on NCDs and the UN high level meeting’s Political Declaration on NCDs.
Addressing the problem of hypertension requires that countries strengthen public awareness of its risk factors and take appropriate measures for its prevention, early detection and treatment in the context of multisectoral policies that promote universal access.
High blood pressure is, in most cases, both preventable and treatable. The risk of developing high blood pressure can be minimized through reducing salt intake; keeping a balanced diet; avoiding harmful use of alcohol; having regular exercise; and abstaining from tobacco use. For many people, lifestyle changes alone are sufficient to control blood pressure. For others, medication is required.
As we commemorate World Health Day 2013, I urge everyone to eat healthy foods; reduce salt intake; avoid tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol; control their body weight; and regularly check their blood pressure.
I urge ministries of health as well as health professionals to give utmost importance to early detection and treatment of hypertension and the prevention of its complications, and to implement standardized guidelines for hypertension management in primary health care settings.
I thank you