The WHO’s second Global Hypertension Report (2024) reveals that 1.4 billion people worldwide have hypertension, yet only about 20% have it under control. The burden is highest in low- and middle-income countries, where only 28% ensure consistent availability of WHO-recommended antihypertensive medicines. From 2011 to 2025, cardiovascular diseases linked to hypertension are expected to cost these nations around US$ 3.7 trillion . Key barriers to control include weak health promotion policies, limited access to validated blood pressure devices, a lack of standardized protocols , shortages of trained staff, unreliable medicine supply, and insufficient monitoring systems.
Access to affordable medication remains critical, yet less than a third of low-income countries can provide all essential hypertension drugs. Despite challenges, progress is possible. Bangladesh, the Philippines, and the…
