In 2010, there were more than 130 million adults with hypertension (elevated blood pressure) in Africa and this is predicted to rise to 216.8 million by 2030.1 Despite its prevalence, hypertension is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, leaving those affected at risk of cardiovascular complications, like heart attack and stroke, and claiming millions of lives every year.2
Recognising the significant benefits that awareness and early detection can have on health outcomes – for the individual and wider community – AstraZeneca, in partnership with the Ministry of Health in Kenya, launched Healthy Heart Africa in 2014.
Healthy Heart Africa was designed to raise awareness of hypertension and to provide access to screening, improve early diagnosis, and ensure that those at risk are connected to care. The programme is now entering its second decade and has been rolled out across 9 more countries in collaboration with local governments and NGOs, and implementing partners such as PATH, the African Christian Health Association Platform (ACHAP), and many others. As well as improving outcomes on an individual level, the programme has helped develop best-practice protocols and strengthen local healthcare systems.
Building on the foundations and impact of the hypertension programme, Healthy Heart Africa expanded in May 2024, integrating the prevention and early detection of chronic kidney disease into its scope. This evolution is driven by the interconnected nature of these health issues and the additional challenges posed by climate change, which exacerbates the risk associated with these diseases.3
The expanded scope reflects our dedication to improving the well-being of people, society, and planet; and our commitment of working in collaboration with governments and local health services to close care gaps across the entire patient journey.
Together, we can enhance screening and improve access to high quality evidence-based care while educating communities, underscoring the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles, and ultimately fostering improved health outcomes for more people.
The programme supports health system resilience by relieving the social and economic impacts that can come with delayed diagnosis and late-stage care. For example, a patient with progressed chronic kidney disease may need regular dialysis, an intervention that is costly for the healthcare system, costly for the climate and represents an additional burden to the patient.
Patients who are identified before their disease progresses can be given advice on how to modify their lifestyle to manage their health, they may also be prescribed medication if appropriate. This can help them remain active members of the community and helps avoid the financial and climate cost of ‘emergency care’ often associated with late diagnosis.
In addition to its core initiatives, Healthy Heart Africa identifies pathways to further expand patient reach, ensuring broader impact and sustainability.
By improving health equity and enhancing the resilience of health systems, we strive to create lasting change that will benefit millions across the continent for a healthier, more equitable Africa.
Local and international implementing partners that share in our ambition to improve patient outcomes, support health systems resilience for NCDs and strengthen communities are essential to delivering on our mission. We engage NGOs like Population Service International (PSI), Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau (UPMB) and PATH to contribute important field work and coordinate with local ministries of health to ensure a seamless patient journey. Where care gaps exist, we partner to support and bridge those gaps ensuring capacity over the long-term.
Seeing a world of connections creates opportunities that can make a big difference to our health.
The health of people and society is deeply connected to our planet’s health. Ageing populations, a rise in chronic diseases and the impacts of the climate emergency are increasing health inequities and adding further pressures to health systems around the world. We must deliver healthcare that is more equitable, sustainable and resilient.
To find out more about how AstraZeneca and partners are working to strengthen health systems, address the health impacts of climate change, and act for all people, no matter where they live, please see our Sustainability Impact Report.
