The prevalence of hypertension has increased, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). In SSA, the prevalence of HTA is around 27% and worldwide at 30%. In addition, 65 % of people between 60 to 69 years old have high blood pressure globally.
Prevalence of Hypertension in Rwanda is estimated to be 15.9% and is expected to increase to 17.78 in 2025 due to existing risk factors that include imbalanced diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, alcohol abuse and other non-modifiable risk factors like age and family history.
Dr. UWINKINDI Francois, the Head of Non Communicable Diseases in Rwanda Biomedical Centre, said most people live with hypertension without knowing it.
“An estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition. Less than half of adults (42%) with hypertension are diagnosed and treated”, mentioned Dr. UWINKINDI.
Consequently, Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) in collaboration with Rwanda College of Physicians (RCP), an organization of Specialists in Internal medicine and its subspecialties in Rwanda, organized a reoccurring event to honor World Hypertension Day.
World Hypertension Day happens Yearly on May 17th. However, this year due to co-occurring events in Rwanda, this event was postponed to July 21st and 22nd. The theme for this event is “Measure Blood Pressure Accurately, control it and prevent cardiovascular events”.
This event aimed at raising the awareness of Rwandan healthcare providers on the importance and urgent need of adequate screening and HTA control to prevent cardiovascular diseases (CVD). (End)