Health
High blood pressure puts 1.4 billion lives at risk, says WHO
High blood pressure puts 1.4 billion lives at risk, says WHO
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that uncontrolled high blood pressure could put over 1.4 billion people at risk of premature death.
WHO, in its second Global Hypertension Report, released on Tuesday, showed that 1.4 billion people lived with hypertension in 2024, yet just over one in five have it under control either through medication or addressing modifiable health risks.
The new report was released at an event co-hosted by WHO, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Resolve to Save Lives during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
It also reveals that only 28 per cent of low-income countries report that all WHO-recommended hypertension medications are generally available in pharmacies or primary care facilities.
Hypertension is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. It is both preventable and treatable—but without urgent action, millions of people will continue to die prematurely, and countries will face mounting economic losses.
From 2011 to 2025, cardiovascular diseases—including hypertension—are projected to cost low- and middle-income countries approximately US$3.7 trillion, equivalent to around two per cent of their combined GDP.
READ ALSO:
- Remi Tinubu: N20bn library fundraiser not for 2027 re-election
- FG cautions Nigerians over resurgence of Ebola
- Trump opposes Palestinian state recognition
“Every hour, more than 1,000 lives are lost to strokes and heart attacks from high blood pressure, and most of these deaths are preventable,” WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said.
Stating that uncontrolled high blood pressure kills more than 10 million people yearly, Mr Ghebreyesus said that the political will, investment, and reforms should control hypertension.
“Countries that integrate hypertension care into universal health coverage and primary care are making real progress, but too many low- and middle-income countries are still left behind,” Kelly Henning, who leads the Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Health Program, said.
Analysis of data from 195 countries and territories shows that 99 of them have national hypertension control rates below 20 per cent. The majority of affected people reside in low- and middle-income countries, where health systems often face resource constraints.
The report highlights major gaps in hypertension prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care.
Key barriers include weak health promotion policies (on risk factors such as alcohol, tobacco use, physical inactivity, salt, and trans fats), limited access to validated blood pressure devices, lack of standardised treatment protocols, and trained primary care teams.
Other barriers include unreliable supply chains, costly medicines, inadequate financial protection for patients, and insufficient information systems to monitor trends.
Blood pressure medication is one of the most cost-effective public health tools. Yet, only seven out of 25 (28 per cent) low-income countries report general availability of all WHO-recommended medicines, compared to 93 per cent of high-income countries.
The report explores the barriers and strategies for improving access to hypertension medication through better regulatory systems, pricing and reimbursement, procurement and supply chain management, and improved prescribing and dispensing of these medicines.
Despite barriers, progress is still possible. Bangladesh, the Philippines, and South Korea have made significant progress by integrating hypertension care into universal health coverage (UHC), investing in primary care, and engaging communities.
Bangladesh increased hypertension control from 15 per cent to 56 per cent in some regions between 2019 and 2025 by embedding hypertension treatment services in its essential health service package and strengthening screening and follow-up care.
The Philippines has effectively incorporated the WHO’s HEARTS technical package into community-level services nationwide.
South Korea has integrated health reforms, including low costs for antihypertensive medications and limiting patient fees, which have resulted in a high rate of blood pressure control nationally: 59 per cent in 2022.
WHO, however, called on all countries to embed hypertension control in UHC reforms.
High blood pressure puts 1.4 billion lives at risk, says WHO
(NAN)
Health
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
Parents and caregivers are advised to seek early medical help and update childhood vaccinations as response teams expand outreach.
Health authorities in Adamawa State are responding to a diphtheria outbreak that has caused 20 deaths across 13 local government areas. Speaking on Wednesday, State Epidemiologist Jones Steven Kadabiyu confirmed that health workers have recorded 126 suspected cases throughout the state, with six patients currently receiving medical care in local hospitals.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial illness that spreads through airborne droplets from coughing or close personal contact. It mainly affects the throat and airway, causing sore throats, mild fevers, swollen neck glands, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
READ ALSO:
- Kara Bridge Repairs, Multiple Crashes Trigger 14-Hour Gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
- 2027: Court Gives Atiku Seven Days to Serve Tinubu Through APC in Eligibility Suit
- 2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation
Health officials emphasized that the biggest risk to patients has been waiting too long to visit a health center, as some families try informal remedies at home first before seeking professional medical attention.
The state government is working alongside health partners to track new cases, provide specialized antibiotics and treatments, and protect medical workers and family members.
Officials stressed that while diphtheria can affect people of any age, young children are the most vulnerable to serious complications. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to ensure their children are up to date on their routine vaccines and to visit the nearest clinic immediately if anyone develops throat swelling or breathing issues.
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
Community
Monarch Dies Shortly After Being Rescued From Kwara Kidnappers
The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land in Kwara State, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after he was rescued from kidnappers.
The monarch passed away in the early hours of Saturday at a hospital, according to his son, Prince Olasunkanmi, who said his father had been receiving treatment following a brief illness.
“Yes, the news is true. He died after a brief illness following his release. We took him to the hospital, hoping he would survive, but he died there very early this morning,” Olasunkanmi said.
Oba Iwedunmoye was abducted on August 22 when armed men invaded Igbesi community in Isin Local Government Area.
He regained his freedom five days later after security forces launched an operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro area, where three kidnapped victims were found.
The rescue followed a report received at the Oro Police Station from a vigilante member, who alerted authorities after one of his colleagues was shot while operating in the bush.
A combined team of police officers, soldiers and vigilantes was subsequently deployed to the area.
Police said the suspected kidnappers engaged the team in a gun battle after spotting the advancing operatives. One alleged kidnapper was killed during the exchange, while others escaped into the surrounding area.
The security team continued the search and eventually located the three victims, who were evacuated for medical treatment.
News of the monarch’s death was announced by Bisi Fakayode, National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, who mourned the traditional ruler and prayed for the repose of his soul.
The circumstances surrounding the monarch’s illness and death have not been publicly disclosed beyond his family’s account that he fell ill after his release.
Health
Ebola Crisis Deepens in DR Congo as Cases Cross 7,000
Ebola Crisis Deepens in DR Congo as Cases Cross 7,000
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached more than 7,000 recorded cases, with nearly 3,400 people losing their lives in what authorities describe as the country’s worst epidemic of the disease.
Official figures show that 7,022 cases have been identified since the outbreak was detected in May. Of those affected, 3,398 have died, while 1,671 people have recovered.
The outbreak has also continued to expand geographically, with South-Ubangi becoming the seventh province where the virus has been detected. The province shares borders with both the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo.
Health authorities are facing particular difficulties in Ituri, where most of the cases have been recorded. The province has schools where Ebola infections have been detected, raising concerns about further transmission as students return to classrooms.
Schools in affected areas have introduced additional precautions, including compulsory handwashing, limiting classroom numbers and discouraging physical contact among pupils.
READ ALSO:
- Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Drug Trafficking in Delta
- Dangote raises petrol price 6.7% to N1,350/litre
- Anambra Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Child, Rescue Four
The response is being complicated by the wider conditions in eastern and northern parts of the country. Some affected communities are located in remote areas with limited healthcare facilities, while long-running armed conflicts have made access and government intervention more difficult.
Residents have expressed growing concern, particularly over the possibility of children carrying the virus between their homes and schools.
The current outbreak was first officially identified in northeastern Ituri in mid-May, although health authorities believe the virus may have been circulating for weeks before it was detected.
The strain responsible is Bundibugyo ebolavirus. There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment specifically available for the strain, although researchers are testing potential vaccines and therapies.
Ebola spreads primarily through contact with infected bodily fluids and can cause severe illness, including bleeding, organ failure and death.
The latest crisis is part of the DRC’s long history with Ebola, with the country experiencing 17 outbreaks since the virus was first identified there.
With infections continuing to appear in new areas, authorities face the challenge of containing transmission while providing treatment and protection in communities already struggling with insecurity and limited health infrastructure.
Ebola Crisis Deepens in DR Congo as Cases Cross 7,000
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Northern Lecturers Back Tinubu, ASUU Disowns Endorsement
-
metro3 days agoMother ‘sold daughter’s abuse videos for $300’: Nigeria child pornography case shocks nation
-
News3 days agoAdeleke Orders Arrests After Associate Ajagungbade Is Reportedly Killed in Ife
-
metro2 days agoPolice Arrest Mother Over Alleged Brutal Abuse of 7-Year-Old Girl in Anambra
-
Sports1 day ago‘I Was Never the Chosen One’ — Dembele Responds to Mbappe
-
News2 days agoNwifuru Dismisses Cubana Chief Priest as ‘Attention-Seeker’
-
Education1 day agoJAMB Moves 2027 UTME Time — Here’s What Candidates Need To Know
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Sowore Promises ₦500,000 Minimum Wage, Free Education, 24-Hour Electricity