By Yussif Ibrahim
Kumasi, May 17, GNA – PATH Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has called for intensified public awareness, regular blood pressure checks, and improved treatment adherence to reduce the growing burden of hypertension in the country.
The call coincides with Ghana’s observance of this year’s World Hypertension Day, on the theme: “Controlling Hypertension Together: Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly, Defeat the Silent Killer.”
A press release issued by Dr Robert Yeboah, Programme Director of Healthy Heart Africa at PATH Ghana, described hypertension as a major public health concern globally and locally, despite being preventable and manageable.
According to the release, an estimated 1.4 billion people aged between 30 and 79 were living with high blood pressure globally in 2024, yet fewer than one in five had the condition adequately controlled.
In Ghana, non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, account for about 42 per cent of all deaths, with the condition affecting approximately 34 per cent of the population.
The release noted that although nearly half of persons living with hypertension were aware of their condition, only 37 per cent were receiving treatment, and just 19 per cent had their blood pressure under control.
It said the high prevalence of hypertension and related premature deaths underscored the urgent need for stronger national interventions focused on prevention, early detection, and effective disease management.
The statement highlighted the role of Healthy Heart Africa (HHA), an AstraZeneca Health Equity initiative implemented in partnership with PATH and the Ghana Health Service, in supporting efforts to reduce hypertension through awareness creation, screening, and early diagnosis at the primary healthcare level.
Since its introduction in Ghana in 2019, the programme has conducted more than 3.4 million blood pressure screenings nationwide.
Out of that number, over 740,000 individuals were identified with elevated blood pressure, while more than 152,000 people diagnosed with hypertension had been linked to health facilities for treatment and care.
The release emphasised that hypertension, like many other non-communicable diseases, could be prevented through healthy lifestyles and effectively controlled when diagnosed early and properly managed.
It, therefore, urged the public to check their blood pressure regularly and adhere strictly to prescribed treatments to prevent complications and improve quality of life.
As part of activities marking the Day, AstraZeneca’s Healthy Heart Africa, PATH Ghana, and the GHS organised screening outreach programmes, radio discussions, and community awareness campaigns in Accra and Kumasi.
The activities focused on prevention, early detection, and public education on the dangers associated with uncontrolled hypertension.
The release described World Hypertension Day as a rallying point for individuals, families, and institutions to make hypertension prevention and control a shared responsibility.
PATH is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing health equity through innovative solutions and multi-sector partnerships to address global health challenges.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Yussif Ibrahim
Email: [email protected]