World Hypertension Day: PATH, GHS urge regular blood pressure checks

PATH, an international non-profit global health organisation, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and AstraZeneca’s Healthy Heart Africa (HHA) initiative, has marked the 2026 World Hypertension Day with renewed calls for regular blood pressure checks and early detection of hypertension.

Observed annually on May 17, World Hypertension Day was established by the World Hypertension League in 2005. This year’s theme is: “Controlling Hypertension Together: Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly, Defeat the Silent Killer.”

Health experts say hypertension remains a major public health concern globally and in Ghana despite growing awareness of the disease.

Available statistics indicate that an estimated 1.4 billion people aged between 30 and 79 were living with high blood pressure worldwide 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 an estimated 34 per cent of the population affected by high blood pressure.

Although nearly half of those affected are aware of their condition, only 37 per cent are receiving treatment, while just 19 per cent have their blood pressure under control.

To help address the growing burden of hypertension, Healthy Heart Africa — implemented in partnership with PATH and the Ghana Health Service — has been supporting awareness creation, screening and early detection efforts across the country.

Since its introduction in Ghana in 2019, the programme has conducted more than 3.4 million blood pressure screenings.

More than 740,000 people have been identified with elevated blood pressure, while over 152,000 individuals diagnosed with hypertension have been linked to health facilities for treatment and care.

As part of activities marking this year’s World Hypertension Day, PATH, GHS and Healthy Heart Africa organised screening outreach programmes, radio health discussions and community awareness campaigns in Accra and Kumasi.

The activities focused on educating the public on the importance of prevention, early detection and effective management of hypertension.

Health officials noted that hypertension remains a “silent killer” because many people may live with the condition without symptoms until serious complications develop.

They therefore urged the public to regularly check their blood pressure, adopt healthy lifestyles and adhere to prescribed treatment to reduce the risk of complications and premature deaths.

PATH is a global non-profit organisation focused on advancing health equity through partnerships and innovative health solutions, while Healthy Heart Africa is AstraZeneca’s flagship programme aimed at reducing cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases across Africa.