Health authorities have renewed calls for regular blood pressure checks and stronger public awareness campaigns as the country marked World Hypertension Day, warning that high blood pressure remains a growing public health challenge and a major contributor to deaths linked to non-communicable diseases.
The campaign, led by Ghana Health Service, PATH and AstraZeneca’s Healthy Heart Africa initiative, was commemorated in Accra and Kumasi under the theme: “Controlling Hypertension Together: check your blood pressure regularly, defeat the silent killer.”
Officials said hypertension continues to place significant pressure on healthcare systems globally and in Ghana, where non-communicable diseases account for around 42% of all deaths.
Health data presented during the commemoration showed that hypertension affects an estimated 34% of Ghana’s population. While about half of those affected are aware of their condition, only 37% receive treatment and just 19% have their blood pressure adequately controlled.
Globally, an estimated 1.4 billion people aged between 30 and 79 were living with high blood pressure in 2024, with fewer than one in five managing to keep the condition under control, according to figures shared at the event.
Officials said the figures highlighted the need for greater investment in prevention, early detection and treatment strategies.
Through AstraZeneca’s Healthy Heart Africa programme, implemented in partnership with PATH and the Ghana Health Service, authorities said efforts have been made to expand screening and improve access to care through primary healthcare systems.
Since 2019, the programme has conducted more than 3.4 million blood pressure screenings across Ghana, identifying more than 740,000 people with elevated blood pressure and linking over 152,000 diagnosed patients to health facilities for treatment and care.
Health officials said hypertension often develops without obvious symptoms and urged the public to routinely monitor their blood pressure, adopt healthier lifestyles and adhere to treatment where necessary.
The organisations said community outreach activities, screening programmes and public education campaigns formed part of efforts to increase awareness and reduce preventable deaths associated with hypertension.
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