Government has disclosed that about 34 percent of Zambians aged between 30 and 79 years are living with High Blood Pressure, with many remaining undiagnosed, untreated or uncontrolled.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Lishimpi has since called for increased efforts in the prevention and control of hypertension, describing the condition as a major public health concern in Zambia.
Dr Lishimpi made the remarks in a speech delivered on his behalf by Levy Mwanawasa Medical University Senior Medical Superintendent, Dr Charles Mutemba, during the World Hypertension Day commemoration held in Lusaka today.
He further stated that hypertension remains one of the leading causes of illness, disability, and premature deaths globally and locally.
Dr Lishimpi noted that hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is often referred to as the “silent killer” because many people live with the condition without showing symptoms while severe internal damage continues.
He further said the rise in non-communicable diseases among young people is being driven by unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, tobacco use, stress and obesity.
Dr Lishimpi explained that the government, through the Ministry of Health, has continued implementing interventions aimed at improving the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension and diabetes.
Speaking at the same event, Zambia Medical Association President, Dr Masiku Phiri, called on citizens and healthcare workers to prioritise healthy living in the fight against hypertension.
And Resident Doctors Association of Zambia Vice President, Dr Collins Simbeye, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to initiatives aimed at fighting the disease.
