Friday, April 12, 2013

Blog 9: Tanzania


High Blood pressure in Tanzania needs urgent action. The World Health Organization states that more than 1 in 3 adult globally has high blood pressure. One even larger issue is with all these cases the problem is often not identified. Hypertension was described as a impending public disaster. The issue with hypertension is it often does not have any symptoms. A 40 year old woman when to a screening and was told that she has to take pills for the rest of her life. She stated her life was turned upside down. If her blood pressure remains uncontrolled she might have serious complications like kidney failure, stroke, and hard attack. The article does note that her case is better in her case because many people do not find out about their blood pressure problems until they have already had a stroke or other complications.
            Diseases like diabetes and hypertension are increasing in the country. There is a lack of preventative programs. People do not have a way to be diagnosed. During World Health Day there is a urge to reduce unhealthy lifestyles. There are new guidelines for the use of salt, which is a risk factor in hypertension. Blood pressure is the number one cause of death and disability globally. One of the doctors noted that the developing world needs to stop thinking that non-communicable diseases only affect countries in Western Europe. Another issue highlight was the cost of these diseases. There is reduce workforce and working hours that hinders countries economic growth. Cost of prevention is less than treating the diseases so there is an effort to provide more prevention services.
            This article was very interesting. You often here about malnutrition in African countries but this is my first time hearing about high blood pressure. There is always a story about an outbreak of a communicable disease but often non-communicable diseases are not mentioned in this part of the world. However a common theme in these countries is a lack for preventative resources.

Latina Brooks
April 11, 2013
5:37

http://thecitizen.co.tz/news/4-national-news/30324-high-blood-pressure-in-tanzania-a-call-for-urgent-action

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