Hypertension, often called the “silent killer,” has become one of the world’s most pressing public health threats. It is a leading cause of premature death, responsible for millions of lives lost each year through heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. Despite being preventable and treatable, the latest findings from the WHOs second Global Hypertension Report 2025 reveal that the global response remains far from adequate. The report estimates that in 2024, 1.4 billion people aged 30–79 years were living with hypertension worldwide. Yet, only 1 in 5 had their condition adequately controlled. This means that the vast majority of those affected continue to face a heightened risk of severe, life-threatening complications. The burden is especially severe in low- and middle-income countries, where access to medicines, diagnostics, and consistent care is often limited. Between 2011 and 2025, cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, are estimated to have caused economic losses of US$ 3.7 trillion in these regions which is equivalent to around 2% of their GDP.
I. Why Control Remains Out of Reach?
The WHO identifies several barriers that hinder countries from effectively addressing hypertension. These include weak prevention policies, such as inadequate promotion of low-sodium salt and healthier diets, and limited access to validated BP measuring devices. Many health systems also face inconsistent treatment protocols and insufficiently trained primary care teams, along with unreliable supply chains and a lack of financial protection for patients. Moreover, poor health information systems create gaps in monitoring treatment outcomes and assessing equity. These challenges collectively contribute to a fragmented global response, where progress achieved in some countries is undermined by persistent gaps in others.
II. Key Statistics:
1.4 billion people aged 30–79 were affected by hypertension in 2024.
Only 320 million had their condition under control.
Prevalence varies from 29% in the Western Pacific to 38% in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Estimates say number of individuals with HTN will surpass 1.5 billion by 2030.
4 countries – Canada, Costa Rica, Korea and Iceland have achieved HTN control rates as per WHO.
III. Pathways to Success:
III. Pathways to Success:The Global Hypertension Report 2025: High Stakes – Turning Evidence into Action does more than identify problems; it lays out clear recommendations for governments and health partners. WHO stresses that scaling up detection, treatment, and control efforts at the primary health care level is critical. Proven interventions exist and, when applied systematically, can save millions of lives and reduce healthcare costs.
Main elements of an effective public health programme include:
Health promotion and prevention through education and healthier food environments.
Accurate and timely diagnosis, supported by validated devices.
Treatment and continuity of care, with standardized protocols.
Reliable access to essential medicines, especially antihypertensives.
Support for adherence, ensuring patients remain on lifelong treatment.
IV. WHO’s Five Recommended Actions To Tackle HTN:
To accelerate progress, WHO recommends that countries:
Integrate HTN interventions into universal health coverage reforms.
Ensure access to affordable medicines and validated monitoring devices.
Invest in the health workforce, emphasizing team-based care.
Strengthen information systems to track treatment and control rates.
Raise public awareness about the dangers of uncontrolled blood pressure.
V. A Call for Urgency
Hypertension may not make daily headlines, but its silent toll is enormous. The WHO report is a reminder that controlling BP is not just a medical issue but it is an economic, social, and development priority. By acting now, governments can not only save millions of lives but also ease the financial strain on families and health systems, while advancing toward the goals of UHC and the Sustainable Development Goals.
To Read the Full WHO Report: CLICK HERE
