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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