New Delhi, Sep 25 (UNI) Even as high blood pressure continues to affect over 1.4 billion people globally and remains a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and dementia, only slightly more than 20 per cent of individuals living with the condition have managed to keep it under control. These are the alarming findings in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest Global Hypertension Report 2024 released at an event during the 80th United Nations General Assembly.
It flags gaps in treatment and access as well, revealing that only 28 per cent of low income countries have ensured general availability of WHO recommended hypertension medicines in pharmacies and primary care settings. In stark contrast, this figure rises to 93 per cent in high income countries. The report is co-hosted by WHO, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and resolve to save lives. Hypertension or high blood pressure remains a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and dementia, despite being both preventable and treatable.
WHO officials have warned that without immediate action, the global burden of cardiovascular diseases including hypertension will continue to result in millions of premature deaths and exert significant pressure on national economies. From 2011 to 2025 alone, these diseases are projected to cost low and middle-income countries approximately USD 3.7 trillion, roughly 2 pc of their combined GDP.
“Every hour, over 1,000 lives are lost to strokes and heart attacks caused by high blood pressure the majority of which are preventable,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General. “Countries have the tools to reverse this trend. With sustained investment and stronger political commitment, hypertension control can become a cornerstone of universal health coverage.”
According to the report, 99 countries currently report national hypertension control rates below 20 per cent, with the majority of the burden falling on low and middle-income nations. Weak health promotion policies, poor access to validated diagnostic tools, absence of standard treatment protocols, insufficiently trained primary care personnel, and fragile supply chains have all contributed to the low rates of detection and treatment. While blood pressure medication remains one of the most cost-effective tools in public health, availability and affordability continue to be significant challenges. The WHO report recommends improving access through regulatory reforms, standardised pricing and reimbursement policies, streamlined procurement and supply chains, and more rational prescribing and dispensing practices.
“Safe, effective, low-cost medicines exist, but they are still out of reach for too many,” said Dr Tom Frieden, President and CEO, Resolve to Save Lives. “Bridging this gap will not only save millions of lives but also yield substantial economic benefits for countries.” Despite systemic challenges, several countries have demonstrated that progress is possible. Bangladesh, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea have all made notable strides by integrating hypertension care into universal health coverage, investing in primary care infrastructure, and mobilising community based health interventions.
“Uncontrolled high blood pressure claims more than 10 million lives every year,” said Dr Kelly Henning, who leads the Public Health Programme at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “Countries that embed hypertension services into primary care and health coverage systems are beginning to show real progress.”
Only 1 in 5 managing hypertension: WHO flags gaps in treatment in low income nations
