World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning that uncontrolled high blood pressure—also known as hypertension—is putting over 1.4 billion people at risk of premature death globally.
In its newly released Global Report on Hypertension 2024, WHO reveals that while over 1.4 billion people are living with the condition, only about 20% have it under control—either through medication or lifestyle changes.
The report, launched during a high-level event at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York—co-hosted by WHO, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Resolve to Save Lives—paints a troubling picture of global inaction.
Hypertension, a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and dementia, is both treatable and preventable. Yet millions continue to die unnecessarily, with the condition costing low- and middle-income nations an estimated $3.7 trillion between 2011 and 2025—roughly 2% of their combined GDP.
> “Every hour, more than 1,000 lives are lost to strokes and heart attacks from high blood pressure, and most of these deaths are preventable,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
> “Countries have the tools to change this narrative. With political will, ongoing investment, and reforms to embed hypertension control in health services, we can save millions and ensure universal health coverage for all.”
Despite the availability of low-cost, effective blood pressure medicines, WHO notes that access remains a major challenge. Only 28% of low-income countries report having all WHO-recommended hypertension drugs readily available in pharmacies or primary health centers. In contrast, 93% of high-income countries meet this benchmark.
> “Uncontrolled high blood pressure claims more than 10 million lives every year, despite being both preventable and treatable,” said Dr. Kelly Henning, who leads Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Public Health Program.
> “Countries that integrate hypertension care into universal health coverage are making real progress, but too many low- and middle-income countries are still left behind.”
The global analysis, covering 195 countries and territories, found that 99 nations have national control rates below 20%. Most affected populations reside in resource-limited settings with health systems under strain.
The report identifies several key barriers to effective hypertension care:
Weak public health policies targeting risk factors like smoking, poor diet, and physical inactivity
Limited access to validated blood pressure monitoring tools
Inconsistent treatment protocols and lack of trained healthcare workers
Poor availability of affordable medicines
Weak supply chains and inadequate patient data systems
> “Safe, effective, low-cost medicines to control blood pressure exist, but far too many people can’t get them,” said Dr. Tom Frieden, President & CEO of Resolve to Save Lives.
“Closing that gap will save lives—and billions of dollars annually.”
Despite the sobering statistics, WHO highlights success stories in countries like Bangladesh, the Philippines, and South Korea:
Bangladesh improved hypertension control from 15% to 56% in targeted areas by integrating treatment into essential health services between 2019 and 2025.
The Philippines scaled community-based hypertension care using WHO’s HEARTS technical package.
South Korea achieved a national control rate of 59% in 2022 by lowering drug costs and reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
To bridge the gap globally, WHO is urging all nations to prioritize hypertension within universal health coverage reforms.
> “Strong policies that raise awareness and expand access to treatment are critical to reducing cardiovascular disease and preventable deaths,” Dr. Henning emphasized.
The report outlines a roadmap for scaling up access to medication through smarter procurement, pricing strategies, stronger supply chains, and better clinical practices.
By following these recommendations, WHO believes millions of lives can be saved—along with billions in healthcare costs.
