By Tikondane Vega
Lilongwe, May 16, Mana: Chairperson of the Non-Communicable Diseases Malawi (NCDM), Maud Mwakasungula, has stressed the urgent need for government to prioritise raising awareness, promoting prevention, and improving access to treatment in order to reduce the prevalence of hypertension in the country.
Her comments come as preparations are underway to commemorate World Hypertension Day, which takes place on May 17th each year.
Mwakasungula acknowledged government's efforts through the Ministry of Health (MoH) to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension.
"Through this commitment, community-based screenings, early detection campaigns, and initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles are helping to bring essential health services closer to people, especially those in rural communities," she stated.
As part of this year's campaign, the NCD Alliance Malawi is calling on all Malawians to take simple yet powerful steps to protect their health.
"Everyone is encouraged to check their blood pressure regularly, maintain a healthy diet with less salt and fat, exercise frequently, avoid tobacco and alcohol, manage stress, and follow medical advice when undergoing treatment," she said.
She then appealed to health workers, local leaders, civil society, and policymakers to collaborate in raising public awareness and expanding access to quality blood pressure monitoring services.
"Together, we can reduce the burden of hypertension and build a healthier nation. World Hypertension Day is, therefore, not just a day of reflection; it is a call to action. By making small changes in our daily habits and supporting stronger health systems, we can save lives, prevent suffering, and help millions of Malawians live longer with well-managed lives,” Mwakasungula said.
She stressed that the NCD Alliance Malawi joins the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the global community in commemorating World Hypertension Day 2025.
"This year's theme, 'Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, and Live Longer', serves as a reminder of the importance of regular screening, early diagnosis, and timely treatment in preventing complications caused by hypertension,” she said.
Commenting on the development, Adrian Chikumbe, spokesperson for Malawi's Ministry of Health, highlighted that high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major non-communicable disease and a significant public health concern in Malawi.
He emphasized the Ministry's commitment to manage the condition stating that key strategies include promoting preventive behaviours such as healthy eating, regular physical activity, and avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking.
Chikumbe then urged individuals aged 40 and above to regularly check their blood pressure and ensure that blood pressure measurement becomes a routine part of hospital visits.
Additionally, he affirmed the availability of medication for managing hypertension in public health facilities.
The Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance - Malawi (NCD Alliance Malawi) is a national civil society network with a shared goal of reducing the burden of preventable morbidity, disability, and avoidable deaths due to non-communicable diseases and injuries that impact the health of Malawians.
