BY: IDHC
High blood pressure—or hypertension—is increasingly a silent threat in The Gambia. A recent nationwide study of over 9,100 adults found that 47% of Gambians aged 35 and up suffer from hypertension—nearly half the adult population. Shockingly, more than half (54.7%) are unaware of their condition, only about 32.5% are receiving treatment, and a mere 10% have their blood pressure controlled to safe levels.
Why This Matters
Uncontrolled hypertension severely increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, and other life-threatening conditions. In The Gambia, these factors now rival—and sometimes outpace—the burden from infectious diseases.
Who Is Most at Risk?
• Women have a slightly higher prevalence than men: 49.3% versus 44.7%.
• Hypertension affects both urban and rural residents at similar rates—about 46–47%.
• Prevalence rises dramatically with age: around 30% for those aged 35–45, climbing to over 75% in Gambians aged 75 and older.
• Common contributing factors include overweight/obesity (12% overall), sedentary lifestyle, high salt intake, smoking (particularly among men at ~19%), and low awareness of risk.
Essential Preventive Measures
As nearly half of Gambian adults may be unknowingly living with high blood pressure, public awareness and prevention are more urgent than ever. Here’s what can help:
1. Eat a Healthy, Low‑Salt Diet
Use less salt—aim for under 5 grams daily—and add more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed and salty foods.
2. Stay Active
Engage in moderate exercise such as walking or farming duties for at least 30 minutes daily. This helps control weight and blood pressure.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Losing even a few kilos can significantly reduce blood pressure, especially in people with overweight or obesity.
4. Quit Smoking
With nearly one in five men smoking, eliminating tobacco use will immediately benefit both heart and blood vessel health.
5. Limit Alcohol Intake
Though recent surveys suggest alcohol consumption is low, any intake should be kept minimal, especially for individuals with high blood pressure.
6. Regular Monitoring & Awareness
Ensure blood pressure is checked at least once a year or more often for at-risk individuals. Given the low awareness rate—almost 55% remain undiagnosed—regular checks are essential.
7. Boost Public Education
Fewer than 40% of Gambian women can name a risk factor or symptom of hypertension. Improved communication—via clinics, schools, community gatherings, radio, TV, and mobile phones—can fill this critical gap.
What the Government Is Doing
The 2023 NCD Eye Health Survey highlighted the urgent need to tackle this growing epidemic. In response, The Gambia launched its National Multisectoral NCD Strategy 2022–2027, aiming to reduce premature NCD deaths by one‑third by 2027. This blueprint focuses on prevention, early detection, improved treatment, and chronic care.
Community and Individual Actions
• Community clinics, schools, and volunteers should organize screening camps with blood pressure measurements.
• Local leaders and health workers can offer short, informative talks on healthy living, tobacco cessation, and healthy cooking.
• Individuals are encouraged to monitor their weight, diet, and physical activity, and to seek check-ups regularly.
Final Word
Hypertension may be silent, but its consequences are real and preventable. With nearly half of adults at risk, it’s time for a national wake-up call. Every step toward healthier living—eating well, moving more, quitting smoking, reducing salt—brings us closer to a healthier Gambia.
Let’s take action today—before high blood pressure takes the lead.
References
- Jobe, M., et al. (2024). Prevalence of Hypertension in The Gambia: Results from a Nationally Representative Study. *The Lancet Global Health.*
- Jobe, M., et al. (2024). Hypertension Care Cascade in The Gambia: Awareness, Treatment, and Control. *Journal of Clinical Hypertension.*
- National Eye Health Survey and NCDs Baseline Report, Ministry of Health, The Gambia, 2023.
- NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in West Africa. (2023). Hypertension Management in The Gambia. *NIHR Open Research.*
