The burden of hypertension in Africa is large - and growing. There is wide variation in hypertension prevalence, with country estimates ranging from 9.3% to 51.9% across all ages. Among the elderly, rates are as high as 70%.

Broadly speaking, the highest levels of awareness and blood pressure control are in North African countries, and are lowest in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), especially in rural areas. In SSA, hypertension is predicted to reach epidemic proportions by 2030.

There is huge need to address these challenges, and the ISH Africa RAG is playing its a role.

The RAG is developing hypertension guidelines for Africa, suitable for the unique circumstances in African countries.

We are also identifying gaps in hypertension care across the African continent. And we are developing training resources for non-physician health workers in hypertension.

We are sharing and exchanging knowledge through participation in scientific conferences in Africa, and the delivery of ISH webinars focussed on Africa.

Given the differences in need between countries and regions in Africa, the ISH Africa RAG has created sub-groups of the RAG, to co-ordinate RAG activities in their regions. These sub-groups cover:

• • Central Africa
  • East Africa
  • West Africa
  • South Africa
  • A group for Francophone countries in Africa.

Our overall ambition is to support efforts to improve detection and control rates of hypertension in Africa.

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