By Joke Kujenya
UNCONTROLLED HIGH Blood pressure remains one of the world’s most persistent and deadly health challenges, with 1.4 billion people living with hypertension in 2024, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest Global Hypertension Report.
The report shows that only just over one in five of those affected have managed to bring their condition under control, either through medication or lifestyle changes, leaving a staggering number of people at risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and dementia.
Released during an event co-hosted by WHO, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Resolve to Save Lives at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the report exposes deep inequities in access to hypertension care.
Only 28% of low-income countries report that all WHO-recommended hypertension medicines are generally available in pharmacies or primary care facilities.
In contrast, 93% of high-income countries have these essential medicines readily accessible.
Hypertension remains a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. Despite being both preventable and treatable, the condition continues to claim millions of lives annually.
WHO warned that without urgent action, the world faces significant health and economic consequences.
From 2011 to 2025, cardiovascular diseases – including hypertension – are projected to cost low- and middle-income countries about US$3.7 trillion, equivalent to roughly 2% of their combined GDP.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underscored the urgent need for stronger national commitments to tackle the condition.
“Every hour, over 1000 lives are lost to strokes and heart attacks from high blood pressure, and most of these deaths are preventable,” he said.
“Countries have the tools to change this narrative. “With political will, ongoing investment, and reforms to embed hypertension control in health services, we can save millions and ensure universal health coverage for all.”
Dr Kelly Henning, who leads the Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Health Program, described the findings as a wake-up call.
“Uncontrolled high blood pressure claims more than 10 million lives every year, despite being both preventable and treatable,” she said.
“Countries that integrate hypertension care into universal health coverage and primary care are making real progress, but too many low- and middle-income countries are still left behind.
“Strong policies that raise awareness and expand access to treatment are critical to reducing cardiovascular disease and preventable deaths.”
The WHO analysis, which covered data from 195 countries and territories, shows that 99 countries have national hypertension control rates below 20%.
The majority of those affected live in low- and middle-income regions, where health systems struggle with inadequate resources, weak infrastructure, and limited public health capacity.
According to WHO, barriers to effective hypertension management include weak health promotion policies, limited access to validated blood pressure devices, lack of standardised treatment protocols, inadequate training for primary care teams, unreliable medicine supply chains, and insufficient information systems to track and manage cases.
The report also notes that the high cost of medicines and limited financial protection leave millions of patients untreated or poorly managed.
Access to medicines, WHO stated, remains the cornerstone of progress.
The organisation reaffirmed that blood pressure medication is one of the most cost-effective public health tools available.
Yet only seven of every 25 low-income countries – representing 28% – have general access to all WHO-recommended medicines.
By contrast, 93% of high-income countries report availability across pharmacies and health centres.
Dr Tom Frieden, President and Chief Executive Officer of Resolve to Save Lives, stressed the need to close the global treatment gap.
“Safe, effective, low-cost medicines to control blood pressure exist, but far too many people can’t get them,” he said.
“Closing that gap will save lives and save billions of dollars every year.”
Despite the obstacles, WHO reported encouraging signs of progress in some countries that have embedded hypertension management into broader universal health coverage reforms.
Bangladesh, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea are cited as examples of success through community-level engagement, primary care investments, and accessible treatment models.
Bangladesh, for instance, has increased hypertension control from 15% to 56% in some regions between 2019 and 2025 by integrating hypertension treatment into its essential health service package and expanding screening and follow-up systems.
The Philippines has incorporated WHO’s HEARTS technical package into community-based services across the country, promoting early detection and regular monitoring of blood pressure at local health centres.
The Republic of Korea’s model demonstrates the benefits of systemic reform.
The country’s health insurance policy limits patient fees and ensures low-cost antihypertensive medication, achieving a national blood pressure control rate of 59% in 2022, one of the highest globally.
WHO emphasised that these examples show progress is possible when countries make hypertension prevention and control part of their universal health coverage strategy.
The report urges governments to prioritise routine blood pressure screening, improve access to affordable medicines, strengthen health information systems, and integrate hypertension management into primary healthcare.
The organisation reiterated that implementing these measures could prevent millions of premature deaths and significantly reduce the economic and social toll of uncontrolled high blood pressure.
It also called for international cooperation, sustainable financing, and policy reforms to strengthen supply chains and promote healthy lifestyles through salt reduction, tobacco control, physical activity, and balanced diets.
WHO’s report concludes that the global community has the knowledge and tools to eliminate preventable deaths from hypertension, but progress will depend on sustained political commitment and investment in public health systems.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting countries with technical guidance, monitoring frameworks, and partnerships to accelerate global hypertension control by 2030.
Helpful Lifestyles Changes
Beyond government action, WHO advises individuals to take practical steps to keep blood pressure in check.
Regular screening, reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in daily physical activity, avoiding tobacco and harmful alcohol use, managing stress, and adhering to prescribed medication are all proven ways to prevent or control hypertension.
The agency notes that early detection and consistent lifestyle habits can significantly lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications.
