New Delhi: An estimated more than 294 million people are living together high blood pressure According to South-East Asia World Health Organization (WHO)Saima Wazed, Regional Director for South-East Asia.

on the occasion of world hypertension dayWajed stressed that prevention efforts and Control Hypertension needs to be further strengthened to meet global and national targets.

In the words of the World Hypertension League (WHL), hypertension is ‘a driving force in the global epidemic’ Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the leading risk factors for death and disability globally.’

World High Blood Pressure Day was established by the WHL in 2005 to raise awareness of this “silent killer” and inspire global action to combat high blood pressure.

This year, the theme calls for “Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer”.

Nevertheless, efforts to prevent and control hypertension need to be further strengthened to meet global and national targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goalssdg) And Seahearts Milestones,

“On World Hypertension Day 2024, let us confront this silent killer, and inspire everyone to ‘measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer’,” Vaze stressed.

He highlighted that high salt intake, tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, stress and air pollution are the major risk factors for the increased prevalence of hypertension.

“Nevertheless, efforts to prevent and control hypertension need to be further strengthened to meet the global and national targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the SeaHearts milestones.”

Wajed further stressed that the region advocates action in five key areas.

“First, reduce risk factors for hypertension by implementing WHO technical packages on tobacco control, salt reduction, elimination of trans-fatty acids, promoting physical activity, and reducing air pollution,” he said in a statement. to do.”

Second, accelerate coverage and management of hypertension within primary health care by strengthening interventions outlined in WHO Hearts and the WHO package of essential non-communicable disease interventions, he said.

The third key area is to establish and regularly monitor national targets and indicators for hypertension, to enhance accountability and track progress towards SEHEARTs milestones.

The fourth key area is to ensure convergence of hypertension prevention and management services with other national programs including maternal and child health, tuberculosis and HIV programmes, the regional director said.

Finally, the fifth key area is to empower communities and individuals for self-care management of hypertension, including low-sodium diet, reducing tobacco and alcohol use, regular physical activity and periodic blood pressure assessments e.g. Measures are included.

Furthermore, highlighting that early detection and control is important, VAZ stressed that among adults with high blood pressure, half are unaware they have it, and about 1 in 6 have high blood pressure. Not under control.

He said that if uncontrolled, it can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and early death.

Furthermore, limited access to affordable health services for hypertension is a major cause of low Universal Service Coverage Index for most countries in our region and affects access to quality health services.

Wazed said the South-East Asian region has identified hypertension prevention and control as one of its priorities.

“SeaHearts Accelerating Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Control in the South-East Asia Region” is an initiative supported by the Seventy-sixth Regional Committee in 2023.

This can be considered the world’s largest expansion of cardiovascular disease prevention and control in primary health care.

“‘Dhaka Call to Action – Accelerating the control of cardiovascular diseases in a quarter of the world’s population’ How to achieve the SeaHearts milestone of putting 100 million people with hypertension and diabetes on protocol-based management by 2025, Provides guidance on this.” Said.

Countries in the region are implementing evidence-based strategies to reduce associated risk factors.

Trends have indicated a decline in tobacco use and exposure to household air pollution.

Specifically, four countries have introduced measures to eliminate trans-fatty acids from their national food supply chains. He said the two countries have implemented standards for labeling and marketing to give consumers the information they need to make healthy dietary choices.

Furthermore, many countries have established national targets to improve hypertension and diabetes management within primary health care settings.

“These efforts include revising evidence-based clinical protocols to align with the WHO HEARTS technical package, introducing team-based care approaches, and increasing the availability and accessibility of essential medicines and equipment,” Wazed said.

Specifically, more than 24 million individuals with hypertension are estimated to be treated within public health facilities across the region.

He further emphasized that improving prevention and control of hypertension must be an integral part of every country’s journey towards universal health coverage.

“This could not only potentially save countless lives, but also deliver significant economic benefits and drive progress towards the SDG goals,” he said.