Roadmap to achieve 25% hypertension control in Africa by 2025

Abstract

SummaryBackground and aim:The Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR) has identified hypertension as the highest area of priority for action to reduce heart disease and stroke on the continent. The aim of this PASCAR roadmap on hypertension was to develop practical guidance on how to implement strategies that translate existing knowledge into effective action and improve detection, treatment and control of hypertension and cardiovascular health in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by the year 2025.Methods:Development of this roadmap started with the creation of a consortium of experts with leadership skills in hypertension. In 2014, experts in different fields, including physicians and non-physicians, were invited to join. Via faceto- face meetings and teleconferences, the consortium made a situation analysis, set a goal, identified roadblocks and solutions to the management of hypertension and customised the World Heart Federation roadmap to Africa.Results:Hypertension is a major crisis on the continent but very few randomised, controlled trials have been conducted on its management. Also, only 25.8% of the countries have developed or adopted guidelines for the management of hypertension. Other major roadblocks are either government and health-system related or healthcare professional or patient related. The PASCAR hypertension task force identified a 10-point action plan to be implemented by African ministries of health to achieve 25% control of hypertension in Africa by 2025.Conclusions:Hypertension affects millions of people in SSA and if left untreated, is a major cause of heart disease and stroke. Very few SSA countries have a clear hypertension policy. This PASCAR roadmap identifies practical and effective solutions that would improve detection, treatment and control of hypertension on the continent and could be implemented as is or adapted to specific national settings.

Pharmacotherapy for hypertension in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

“…However, this has not been verified in SSA participants. Our finding of CCBs' superiority is thus important in supporting consensus from both Pan-African guidance [11] and global public health initiatives [60].…”

“…Only 25% of countries have a national framework for hypertension, and just 7% of those with hypertension in Africa achieve control [11]. The Pan-African Society for Cardiovascular Disease guidelines provide a roadmap towards the WHO non-communicable disease target of 25% reduction in high blood pressure by 2025.…”

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Cameroonians aged 50 years and older: A community‐based study

“…This could be due to the fact that a few years prior to our study, the staff of the BHD organized free consultation days with free screening for diabetes and HTN, after which they launched an HTN and diabetes clinic that ran every last Thursday of the month, preventing HTN such as reducing salt intake and obesity levels, increasing fruit and vegetable intake, and encouraging physical exercise. 50 In addition, home BP monitoring has been suggested as a potential strategy to improve treatment compliance and, consequently, optimal BP control. 53 Hence, home BP monitoring could serve as a valuable tool in reducing the burden of HTN in LMICs.…”

Heart Failure in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…Inadequate screening and sub-optimal health facility utilization are also implicated. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate therapy would lead to a significant reduction in the prevalence of hypertensive HF in Africa [59].…”