By Nelson Manneh
High blood pressure (HBP), also known as hypertension, remains a pressing health concern in The Gambia, with approximately one in three adults suffering from this silent but potent killer. Particularly affecting those aged 65 and older, hypertension contributes significantly to cardiovascular diseases, including strokes and kidney disorders. Alarmingly, many individuals remain unaware of their condition, especially men, exacerbating its prevalence in both urban and rural settings.
Hypertension is defined as a condition where blood is consistently pumped through the arteries at elevated pressures—140/90 mmHg or higher. Sainabou Barra Cham, a Program Officer at the Non-Communicable Diseases Control Unit of the Ministry of Health, emphasizes the seriousness of untreated hypertension. She explains that it is critical to raise awareness about this condition, as the risk factors associated with it can be classified into modified and non-modifiable categories.
Modified risk factors—including dietary choices, lack of physical exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity—can be altered to mitigate the risks of developing hypertension. In contrast, non-modifiable risk factors encompass age, genetics, kidney diseases, diabetes, and chronic stress. Cham warns that individuals with hypertension may experience symptoms such as headaches, nosebleeds, and pain, but many may show no symptoms at all, making medical checkups essential for detection.
Despite the high rates of hypertension in The Gambia, awareness and control remain woefully inadequate. Many adults, particularly those in rural areas, are unaware of their hypertensive status, contributing to a broader public health issue. Studies indicate that while hypertension is widespread, a significant number of individuals go undiagnosed; even among those who know their status, treatment options are scarce.
Alhagie Ngum, a herbalist from Abuko, shares insights into traditional perspectives on hypertension. He notes that only about half of those with hypertension in The Gambia are aware of their condition, and an even lower percentage receive effective treatment. Ngum identifies excessive dietary salt intake as a serious concern; populations in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among Black communities, often show heightened sensitivity to salt’s blood-pressure-raising effects.
He argues that government measures should integrate local herbal treatments into healthcare frameworks, as these alternatives can complement conventional medicine. Ngum points to the cultural factors influencing dietary and lifestyle choices as compounding factors in the hypertension crisis.
Meanwhile, personal accounts like that of Rohey Camara, a Serrekunda resident, illustrate the challenges of managing hypertension. After being diagnosed seven years ago, she emphasized the need for regular blood pressure screenings, especially in rural communities, to facilitate early detection and management of the condition. Although she has experimented with herbal remedies, Camara underscores that conventional medication remains essential for effective treatment.
Lamin Kuyateh, a retired public health officer, voices the urgent need for holistic approaches to combat hypertension in Gambia. He calls for public education campaigns to increase awareness and adherence to conventional treatment, particularly as non-communicable diseases continue to claim lives silently.
“Silently it kills,” echoes Modou Cham, who lost two family members to undiagnosed hypertension. He reflects on the sudden death of his uncle, who exhibited no signs of illness before succumbing, leaving the family unprepared. Such anecdotes underscore the urgent need for education, awareness, and public health intervention.
The prevalence of hypertension in The Gambia highlights a distinct shift from patterns observed in other sub-Saharan nations, wherein urban settings typically exhibit higher rates. This phenomenon necessitates tailored public health strategies that consider rural demographics, lifestyle influences, and the socio-economic landscape.
In conclusion, tackling the obesity epidemic, promoting healthy lifestyle changes, and enhancing healthcare access are critical in the fight against hypertension in The Gambia. With a significant one-third of adults affected and a considerable portion remaining undiagnosed, the call for comprehensive public health initiatives has never been more urgent.
