Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh joins the world in observing World Hypertension Day on May 17th. However, data reveals a concerning rise in hypertension (HTN) in the country, a significant medical and public health issue.
It was known that around 20 percent of adults and a staggering 40-65 percent of elderly individuals in Bangladesh suffer from HTN.
According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2023 Global Report on Hypertension, an estimated 273,000 people in Bangladesh died from cardiovascular disease in 2019, with hypertension contributing to over half (54 percent) of these deaths.
This year’s theme, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,” emphasizes the importance of early detection and management of HTN.
Public health experts warn of the increasing prevalence of HTN and related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh.
While the government has implemented initiatives to control HTN, ensuring a consistent supply of essential medication nationwide remains a challenge.
Experts believe that effectively controlling hypertension can significantly reduce premature NCD-related deaths. They urge for increased budgetary allocation for HTN control measures in the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2024-25).
A recent meeting titled “Hypertension Situation in Bangladesh and Way Forward,” organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), highlighted these critical issues.
The meeting emphasized that one in four Bangladeshi adults has HTN, making it a major risk factor for various NCDs like heart disease, stroke, cancer, kidney disease, respiratory illness, and diabetes.
In the meeting it was discusses that despite non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension causing 70 percent of deaths in the country, the budget allocated to fight them is a mere 4.2 percent of the total health expenditure.
A recent discussion titled “Hypertension Situation in Bangladesh and Way Forward” highlighted this critical gap.
Emeritus Professor Dr. A.B.M. Abdullah, personal physician to the Prime Minister, emphasised, “Controlling hypertension can significantly reduce NCDs. The government’s initiative to provide anti-hypertensive drugs at community clinics is commendable. But uninterrupted supply depends on adequate funding.”
Dr. Md. Enamul Haque, Health Economics Unit Director General, presented compelling evidence. “Research shows a Tk 1 investment in hypertension screening and medication yields Tk 18 benefit. Increased investment and effective utilization can control hypertension-related NCDs.”