Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Health has raised alarm over the sharp rise in hypertension diagnoses, particularly among younger adults, after more than 69,000 new cases were recorded in the province during the 2025/26 financial year.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes, the department stated that between April 2025 and March 2026, a total of 69,125 new hypertension cases were diagnosed across Gauteng.
Of these, 26,088 cases involved adults aged 18 to 44, underscoring growing concern about the prevalence of the condition among younger age groups.
Hypertension, often referred to as the “silent killer,” typically develops without noticeable symptoms.
It remains a leading contributor to strokes, heart disease, kidney failure, and premature death.
The department cited unhealthy eating habits, obesity, lack of physical exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption as key risk factors driving the increase.
Screening and Awareness Efforts
In response, the department screened approximately 8.7 million adults for hypertension during the same period, highlighting the importance of routine checks for early detection.
Public healthcare facilities continue to provide free blood pressure screening and integrated chronic disease management services for patients diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, and related conditions.
Officials warned that many residents remain unaware of their blood pressure status, resulting in delayed diagnoses and severe complications such as strokes and heart attacks.
Ward-Based Outreach Teams and Community Health Workers are actively engaging communities through health education, lifestyle promotion, and free screening services offered at clinics and outreach events.
World Hypertension Day
The department joined the international community in commemorating World Hypertension Day today, Sunday, 17 May, under the 2026 theme “Controlling Hypertension Together!”.
The theme emphasises collective action in raising awareness, improving prevention, and strengthening management of the condition.
While the commemoration is observed annually, Gauteng’s awareness and prevention activities will continue year-round as part of broader public health programmes.
Lifestyle and Treatment Guidance
Residents are urged to adopt healthier lifestyles to reduce their risk, including regular exercise, reducing salt intake, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Those diagnosed with hypertension are advised to take medication as prescribed and adhere to treatment plans.
To improve access to chronic medication, patients can register for the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution Programme (CCMDD), which allows the collection of medicines closer to home and reduces waiting times at healthcare facilities.
The department stressed that controlling hypertension requires sustained effort from individuals, families, and communities, warning that without early detection and consistent management, the condition will continue to pose a serious public health threat across Gauteng.
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