To observe World Hypertension Day, Telenor Health launched a five-day health campaign throughout the country. The main aim of the campaign is to educate and increase public awareness of hypertension, also commonly known as high blood pressure, said a press release.

As high blood pressure is the main risk factor in developing cardiovascular disease, this year’s global theme “Know Your Numbers” refers to raising awareness about the importance of knowing one’s blood pressure measurement. Hypertension is a major cause of strokes, heart attacks and kidney diseases, and can also contribute to dementia. Many people who suffer from hypertension are not aware that they have it as there may be no symptoms, and often people only find out after suffering a heart attack or stroke.

Executed by Tonic, the campaign conducted more than 1,000 blood pressure checks for the public from May 13 to May 17. Several health camps were established in both urban and rural areas.

Stating the importance of the day, Andrew Smith, chief commercial officer of Telenor Health, said, “According to World Health Organization, hypertension was defined as ‘the number one killer’ in 2002. As a responsible authority, we feel serious obligation and utmost sincerity for the cause and so, we conducted this campaign to raise mass awareness on Hypertension.”     

World Hypertension Day is organised by World Hypertension League (WHL), which is an umbrella organisation composed of 85 hypertension societies and leagues from all over the world.