The World Health Organization has warned that only one in four people living with hypertension worldwide have their blood pressure adequately controlled, despite the availability of affordable and effective treatment.

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‎Marking this year’s World Hypertension Day on 17 May, WHO said hypertension remains the leading preventable cause of premature death globally, affecting an estimated 1.4 billion people.

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‎In a statement released as part of Hypertension Awareness Month, WHO described hypertension as a “silent killer” because it often shows no symptoms while significantly increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and premature death.

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‎The global health body said early detection, regular monitoring and sustained treatment could prevent most hypertension-related complications, but millions of people remain unaware they have the condition.

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‎WHO’s theme for this year’s campaign— “Controlling Hypertension Together: Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly, Defeat the Silent Killer”— highlights the need for collective action by individuals, families, communities, health professionals and health systems to tackle the growing burden of high blood pressure.

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‎According to WHO, regular blood pressure checks remain the first step in prevention and control, urging people to know their blood pressure numbers and seek medical care when necessary.

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‎The organisation also stressed that hypertension can be prevented and managed through healthy diets, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco use, reducing alcohol consumption and adhering to prescribed medication.

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‎WHO further noted that affordable and effective treatments are widely available and can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications when taken consistently.

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‎The agency called on governments and health authorities to strengthen primary healthcare systems and improve equitable access to diagnosis, medicines and long-term care, especially in underserved communities where disparities in treatment and outcomes remain high.

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‎Health experts say sustained advocacy, public awareness campaigns and routine screening are critical to reducing the global burden of hypertension and preventing avoidable deaths linked to cardiovascular diseases.

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