​Members of the public have been urged to visit their nearest healthcare facilities for free regular screenings for hypertension or high blood pressure, ensuring that they know their numbers (blood pressure) and controlling it to live longer. 
This call by the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) comes as the world observed World Hypertension Day on Saturday, 17 May 2025 under the global theme: "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer."
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said that hypertension which is often referred to as a "silent killer" frequently goes undiagnosed because many individuals are unaware of their condition until they experience serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure. 
High blood pressure occurs when the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. If left untreated, this condition can lead to life-threatening illnesses including cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, vision loss, cognitive impairment, and peripheral artery disease. 
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that over 1.28 billion adults worldwide have hypertension, but more than 700 million of them remain undiagnosed. In South Africa, more than one in three adults has high blood pressure, and of those, more than half do not know their status.
"Worryingly, people under the age of 40 are increasingly being diagnosed, often due to lifestyle risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, obesity and others. 
"The Department is particularly concerned about the low rates of treatment and control among those who are diagnosed. Of the people living with hypertension, only a third are on treatment, and among those on treatment, only a third have their blood pressure under control," pointed MEC Nkomo Ralehoko.
WHO warns that hypertension is one of the leading contributors to premature death globally, accounting for approximately 13% of all deaths. In South 2 of 2 Africa, it is responsible for one in every two strokes and two in every five heart attacks. 
To address this burden, the GDoH is intensifying its hypertension awareness and screening efforts. Free blood pressure screenings are offered at all clinics and during outreach events in communities. The Department is also investing in public education campaigns to raise awareness about prevention, early detection, and the importance of adhering to treatment.
In addition, the Department continues to collaborate with NGOs, medical experts, and community leaders to promote healthy lifestyle choices and improve access to care. 
Adherence to medication and medical advice is critical. Stopping treatment or ignoring symptoms can have devastating consequences. Hypertension is manageable, but it must first be detected. Once diagnosed, patients must follow up regularly, stay on treatment, and adopt a healthier lifestyle that includes balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, reduced salt intake, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol.