Gauteng has recorded more than 69,000 new cases of hypertension in a year, with over 26,000 adults under the age of 45 diagnosed, prompting concern from the provincial Department of Health over a rising trend of the condition among younger people.
Hypertension, commonly known as the “silent killer”, often develops without noticeable symptoms and remains one of the leading contributors to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and premature death.
According to the department, a total of 69,125 new hypertension cases were recorded in Gauteng during the 2025/26 financial year, between April 2025 and March 2026.
Of these, the department said 26,088 cases were recorded among adults aged between 18 and 44.
Officials said contributing factors include unhealthy diets, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Steve Mabona said the figures highlight the urgent need for stronger prevention and early detection efforts across the province.
“Hypertension remains one of the leading contributors to preventable deaths, and what is particularly concerning is the number of younger adults being diagnosed,” Mabona said.
The department joined the international community in commemorating World Hypertension Day, observed annually on Sunday, May 17, under the 2026 theme “Controlling Hypertension Together!”, which emphasises collective action in awareness, prevention, early detection, and management.
Mabona said awareness campaigns would continue beyond the commemorative day as part of ongoing public health interventions aimed at reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.
“We are intensifying screening, education, and outreach activities throughout the year because early detection remains critical in preventing severe complications such as strokes and heart attacks,” he said.
The department said approximately 8.7 million adults were screened for hypertension across Gauteng during the 2025/26 financial year as part of efforts to strengthen early detection and prevention.
Mabona warned that many residents remain unaware of their blood pressure status, often resulting in delayed diagnosis and serious complications.
“Many people only discover they have hypertension when complications have already developed. This is why routine screening is so important,” he said.
Public healthcare facilities in the province continue to offer free blood pressure screening and integrated chronic disease management services for patients diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, and related conditions.
Ward-based outreach teams and community health workers are also continuing to provide health education, promote healthy lifestyles, and encourage residents to undergo regular screening,he said.
”To reduce the risk of hypertension, residents are encouraged to exercise regularly, reduce salt intake, stop smoking, and limit alcohol consumption,” said Mabona.
Patients diagnosed with hypertension have been encouraged to adhere to prescribed treatment.
”Individuals diagnosed with hypertension are advised to take their medication as prescribed by healthcare professionals and adhere to treatment plans to effectively manage the condition.”
The department also urged patients to make use of the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution Programme (CCMDD), which allows chronic medication to be collected closer to home, reducing pressure on healthcare facilities. Residents have been encouraged to register at their nearest clinic.
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Mabona warned that many residents remain unaware of their blood pressure status, often resulting in delayed diagnosis and serious complications.
“Many people only discover they have hypertension when complications have already developed. This is why routine screening is so important,” he said.
Public healthcare facilities in the province continue to offer free blood pressure screening and integrated chronic disease management services for patients diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, and related conditions.
Ward-based outreach teams and community health workers are also continuing to provide health education, promote healthy lifestyles, and encourage residents to undergo regular screening,he said.
”To reduce the risk of hypertension, residents are encouraged to exercise regularly, reduce salt intake, stop smoking, and limit alcohol consumption,” said Mabona.
Patients diagnosed with hypertension have been encouraged to adhere to prescribed treatment.
”Individuals diagnosed with hypertension are advised to take their medication as prescribed by healthcare professionals and adhere to treatment plans to effectively manage the condition.”
The department also urged patients to make use of the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution Programme (CCMDD), which allows chronic medication to be collected closer to home, reducing pressure on healthcare facilities. Residents have been encouraged to register at their nearest clinic.
IOL News
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Hope Ntanzi
iol.co.za
