NCD Alliance Malawi says 46% of adults unaware they have high blood pressure

As Malawi joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Hypertension Day on May 17, health experts have warned that nearly half of adults living with high blood pressure in the country do not know they have the condition, exposing them to life-threatening complications such as stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.

The Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance Malawi (NCD Alliance Malawi) says this year’s commemoration, being held under the theme “Controlling Hypertension Together”, is a strong call for collective action to address gaps in screening, treatment and public awareness.

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition that can severely damage the heart, blood vessels and kidneys if left untreated.

According to the Ministry of Health, about 32 percent of Malawian adults are living with hypertension.

However, NCD Alliance Malawi says 46 percent of those affected are completely unaware of their condition until severe complications develop.

“This silent killer drastically increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and premature death,” said NCD Alliance Malawi Chairperson Maud Mwakasungula in a media statement issued on April 16, 2026.

The alliance attributed the growing burden of hypertension to unhealthy lifestyles, including poor diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption and stress.

It also cited limited access to screening services, low public awareness, inadequate media engagement and delayed diagnosis as major contributing factors.

Mwakasungula said the global theme emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts involving government, healthcare workers, communities, development partners, the media and individuals.

She said stronger collaboration is needed to improve prevention, increase access to screening and treatment services, and sustain public education campaigns on hypertension.

In response to the growing crisis, alliance members including Moyowathu Health Care Services, the Kidney Foundation of Malawi and the Stroke Foundation of Malawi are conducting targeted blood pressure screenings in selected areas across the country.

The initiative is specifically targeting communities with limited access to healthcare services.

NCD Alliance Malawi also commended the Ministry of Health’s Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) programme for strengthening long-term blood pressure screening at community level.

“By leveraging these dedicated community health workers, Malawi is successfully anchoring sustainable, long-term blood pressure measurements directly within local communities,” the alliance said.

The organization stressed that controlling hypertension requires sustained collective action and consistent early detection efforts.

It said combining targeted screening initiatives with the work of HSAs is helping bring life-saving health information and services closer to ordinary Malawians.

NCD Alliance Malawi has since urged the public to prioritize regular blood pressure checks, even when they feel healthy.

“Let us control hypertension together,” the alliance appealed.

The organization also reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and development partners to strengthen health systems and improve prevention, treatment and care for people living with non-communicable diseases.

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