World Hypertension Day 2020 was observed with an informative webinar and new practical resources for all

Photo by Robina Weermeijer

Hypertension - or elevated blood pressure - is a serious medical condition that significantly increases the risks of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. But despite its seriousness, most persons around the world who suffer from it may not be even aware of it.  Therefore, putting the spotlight on hypertension may have major implications for raising awareness and mobilizing a public interest to learn and improve conditions at, at all levels:  At personal, community, health sectors and at national ministries of health with aim of improving the control of hypertension.

The World Hypertension Day of 2020 was observed with an informative webinar with a high level line up of committed individuals around the world from WHO General Director, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who himself suffers from hypertension but considers himself privileged to be in control of his condition, to soccer star Mr. Didier Drogba, to country public health leaders all around the world who are making strides in controlling hypertension at a population level.

The Region of the Americas was also present with the participation of Dr Rohit Doon, from the Ministry of Health of Trinidad and Tobago, and an overview of the implementation of HEARTS in the Americas, the initiative to improve hypertension control, presented by Dr. Anselm Hennis, Noncommunicable and Mental Health Director at PAHO. 

Resources for everyone:

  1. If you are a patient or someone who takes care of a patient:
    1. Informative sheets – 
      1. If I have High Blood Pressure, what do I need to know about COVID-19?
      2. If I have Heart Disease, what do I need to know about COVID-19?

    2. Virtual course on how to improve your technique of measuring blood pressure 
  2. If you are a health provider:
    1. Certifying virtual course to hone your skills and keep them sharp - LINK
  3. If you manage health care programs:
    1. An Implementation Manual from RTSL – LINK
    2. Country profiles – Hypertension fact-sheets
  4. If you are at Ministry of Health
    1. Surveillance and epidemiological profiles of countries to give you a snapshot of current hypertension cascade – LINK
  5. If you are a community member, enjoy an upbeat video with a heartfelt message – Saint Lucia HEARTS Initiative

Be informed, be inspired, take action and take control!

Original source Pan American Health Organization

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