The World Health Organization (WHO) today released its second Global hypertension report, showing 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.<\/p>\n
The new report \u2013 released at an event co-hosted by WHO, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Resolve to Save Lives during the 80th United Nations General Assembly \u2013 also reveals that only 28% of low-income countries report that all WHO-recommended hypertension medicines are generally available in pharmacies or primary care facilities.<\/p>\n
Hypertension is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. It is both preventable and treatable \u2013 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 \u2013 including hypertension \u2013 are projected to cost low- and middle-income countries approximately US$ 3.7 trillion, equivalent to around 2% of their combined GDP.<\/p>\n
“Every hour, over 1000 lives are lost to strokes and heart attacks from high blood pressure, and most of these deaths are preventable,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Countries have the tools to change this narrative. With political will, ongoing investment, and reforms to embed hypertension control in health services, we can save millions and ensure universal health coverage for all.”<\/p>\n
\u201cUncontrolled high blood pressure claims more than 10 million lives every year, despite being both preventable and treatable. 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,\u201d said Dr Kelly Henning, who leads the Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Health Program. \u201cStrong policies that raise awareness and expand access to treatment are critical to reducing cardiovascular disease and preventable deaths.\u201d<\/p>\n
Persistent barriers
\nAnalysis of data from 195 countries and territories shows that 99 of them have national hypertension control rates below 20%. The majority of the affected people live in low- and middle-income countries, where health systems face resource constraints.
\nThe 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 standardized treatment protocols and trained primary care teams, unreliable supply chains and costly medicines, inadequate financial protection for patients, and insufficient information systems to monitor trends.<\/p>\n
Access to medicines: a cornerstone of progress
\nBlood pressure medication is one of the most cost-effective public health tools. Yet only 7 out of 25 (28%) of low-income countries report general availability of all WHO-recommended medicines, compared to 93% 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.
\n\u201cSafe, effective, low-cost medicines to control blood pressure exist, but far too many people can\u2019t get them,\u201d said Dr Tom Frieden, President & CEO, Resolve to Save Lives. \u201cClosing that gap will save lives \u2014 and save billions of dollars every year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Country-level progress
\nDespite barriers, progress is possible. Bangladesh, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea have made significant progress by integrating hypertension care into universal health coverage (UHC), investing in primary care, and engaging communities:
\n\u2022Bangladesh increased hypertension control from 15% to 56% in some regions between 2019-2025 through embedding hypertension treatment services in its essential health service package and strengthening screening and follow-up care.
\n\u2022The Philippines has effectively incorporated the WHO\u2019s HEARTS technical package into community-level services nationwide.
\n\u2022The Republic of Korea has integrated health reforms, including low costs for antihypertensive medications and limiting patient fees, which have resulted in the high rate of blood pressure control nationally: 59% in 2022.<\/p>\n
WHO calls on all countries to embed hypertension control in UHC reforms. Implementing the measures recommended in the report could prevent millions of premature deaths and ease the massive social and economic toll of uncontrolled high blood pressure.<\/p>\n
Editor\u2019s note:
\nWHO defines clinical hypertension in adults as systolic blood pressure \u2265140 mmHg and\/or diastolic blood pressure \u226590 mmHg on two different days. By contrast, high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart and kidney disease even at levels below this threshold. For example, systolic blood pressure under 130 mmHg \u2014 though not classified as hypertension \u2014 still raises health risks.<\/p>\n
About the World Health Organization
\nDedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations \u2013 leading the world\u2019s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. For more information, visit www.who.int and follow WHO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube.
\nAbout Bloomberg Philanthropies
\nBloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg\u2019s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.7 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.
\nThe global hypertension report is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.<\/p>\n
About Resolve to Save Lives
\nResolve to Save Lives is a global health organization that partners locally and globally to create and scale solutions to the world\u2019s deadliest health threats. Since 2017, we\u2019ve worked with governments and other partners in more than 60 countries to save millions of lives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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