Report has disclosed that hypertension affects 19.1% of Ghana’s adult population with Ghana Health Service reporting over 600,000 OPD encounters due to hypertension.
For the year 2024, Ashanti region alone recorded 140,246 people who were hypertensive.
Out of the number, 97,036 were females whereas 43,180 represented males.
Statistics showcased by the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate on Monday during a media engagement reveal a yearly rise in hypertension cases.
Years 2021, 2022 and 2023 recorded 121,829 126,110 and 136,380 cases respectively after screening was conducted.
The NCF risk factor assessment survey conducted in 2023-2024 reported that;
24.8% of adults in Ghana have never measured their blood pressure
19.1% of adults in Ghana are hypertensives
50% of hypertensives are unaware that they have hypertension.
Premised on the worrying report, the Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng announced that the Health Directorate is holding a National Hypertension awareness creation and mass screening campaign for the month of May 2025.
The campaign dubbed “Measure 1 million”, aims to raise awareness and promote early detection of hypertension across the country.
The move forms part of the global celebration of World Hypertension Day, which is held on 17th May.
He reiterated that the campaign is aimed at measuring the blood pressure of at least 1 million Ghanaians and manage/refer where needed.
Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng underscored the exercise as an essential intervention, which will go a long way to protect millions of Ghanaians from non-communicable diseases.
The mass screening will kick-start on May 17th to 31st May, 2025.
Enock Akonnor is a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, serving as CEO and Managing Editor for www.leakyghana.com. His gravitas, which is mirrored by many years of proven and enviable experience in the field of journalism has positioned him among the most sort after media practitioners in Ghana.
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