The Western Regional Health Directorate has initiated a massive screening program for 66,000 individuals, driven by a concerning surge in hypertension cases.
The region recorded a rise from 2.16% in 2023 to 3.19% in 2024, a development described as alarming by healthcare professionals.
Hypertension poses a hidden threat to Ghana’s development. Damaging organs like the heart, brain, and kidneys, the strain on the healthcare system and economy is significant.
“We’ve noticed that some community members haven’t checked their blood pressure until they develop severe conditions like stroke or cardiac failure, often linked to hypertension.
This World Hypertension Day, we aim to screen over 66,000 people in the Western Region, targeting individuals aged 18 and above in every community, gathering, and home,” Acting regional Health Director Gifty Amugi announced.
A review of blood pressure checking habits reveals low voluntary checking rates, with many individuals only getting checked when they fall ill and visit a hospital.
Maame Ama said, “I usually visit the hospital to check my blood pressure only when I’m not feeling well.”
Linda shared a similar experience, stating, “I check my blood pressure only when I have access to the hospital.”
May 17 is World Hypertension Day, with the theme “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.”
To commemorate the day, Media General’s Connect FM collaborated with Top Up Pharmacy to host a free hypertension screening and awareness event on Friday where many received free screenings and learned about prevention strategies.
“Sometimes people have high blood pressure, even as high as 240, without showing symptoms. Unlike malaria, which causes noticeable symptoms, hypertension can lead to severe complications like stroke or heart attack without warning.
That’s why we want people to know their numbers. Our T-shirts emphasize that ‘it’s not just a number, it’s your health.’ Knowing your numbers helps you take necessary precautions to maintain good health.” Dr. Isaac Nyantakyi, Head of Sales, Top Up Pharmacy said.
Meanwhile Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, and the Western Regional Health Directorate have launched the “Measure 1 Million” initiative which invites citizens aged 18 years and above to participate in free blood pressure screenings, with a target of screening about 66,000 individuals in the Western Region.
“As your Regional Minister, I pledge to support this initiative. I urge all citizens aged 18 and above to participate in the screening and know their blood pressure status. Hypertension is a silent killer, but early detection and treatment can make a difference.
Through this exercise, we can identify at-risk individuals and provide them with necessary support and guidance to manage their condition.” He appealed to the public.
