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HYPERTENSION continues to pose a significant public health threat across the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia Region, with over 294 million people affected and the majority remaining undiagnosed or inadequately treated.
“Modifiable behavioural risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, high salt intake, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and mental stress continue to drive its prevalence,” said WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, Saima Wazed in a statement.
Bernama-WAM cited the statement was released in conjunction with World Hypertension Day, observed annually on 17 May to raise awareness and promote prevention, detection, and control. Marking its 20th anniversary this year, the occasion is themed, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!”
“Hypertension remains a leading contributor to premature mortality from heart attacks and strokes in our region,” Wazed said. “Worryingly, the unmet need — defined as the gap between those with high blood pressure and those adequately diagnosed, treated, and controlled — remains as high as 88 per cent.”
“This indicates that nine out of every ten people with hypertension are not receiving optimal care,” she added.
Wazed stressed that with “strong political will, community engagement, and innovative approaches,” the region could significantly reduce the burden of hypertension and move closer to the global goal of reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third by 2030.
“On this World Hypertension Day 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to act strongly and collectively. Let us work together to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life — free from the preventable complications of hypertension,” she urged. - May 18, 2025
