The World Health Organization’s latest report reveals a major health crisis: 1.4 billion people have uncontrolled high blood pressure. Only one in five manage it with medicine or lifestyle changes.
Serious Health Dangers
Dr. Alarcos Cieza, WHO’s Noncommunicable Diseases leader, called it a global emergency.
“Over 1 billion lack treatment, risking heart attacks, strokes, kidney problems, and dementia,” she said. Quick action is vital to prevent early deaths.
Costly Challenges
High blood pressure and related heart issues could cost poorer countries $3.7 trillion from 2011 to 2025, about 2% of their GDP.
In places like Africa, only 30% of countries have key medicines, which are often too expensive.
Barriers to Fix
Cieza listed low awareness, too few trained health workers, and no standard plans as problems. “The biggest issue is lack of political action,” she said. Strong leadership can spark change.
Deadly Impact
In 2025, high blood pressure caused 11 million deaths globally, 16% of all deaths. In Africa, it accounts for 8% of deaths, showing the urgent need for regional focus.
Call for Urgent Action
WHO urges better detection, affordable treatment, and awareness campaigns, especially in low-resource nations, to cut deaths and protect lives from hypertension’s dangers.
READ ALSO: Amnesty Demands Release of Cameroon Opposition Supporters
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
