The incidence of non-communicable diseases is increasing at a dangerous rate in Bangladesh. Currently, various non-communicable diseases are responsible for about 71 percent of the total deaths in the country, one of which is high blood pressure.

Currently, 1 in 4 people are suffering from high blood pressure. However, only 1 in 7 people have been able to control it through regular medication and necessary treatment. It is important to ensure the availability of high blood pressure medicines in all community clinics and upazila health complexes in the country through sustainable financing.

These information and recommendations were presented at a journalist workshop titled “Controlling High Blood Pressure in Bangladesh: Progress, Obstacles and What to Do” organized online today (September 10). The workshop was organized by Pragya (Knowledge for Progress) in collaboration with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).

The workshop was attended by 22 journalists from print, electronic and online media working in Rajshahi division. It was informed at the workshop that 35 ministries/departments of the government have recently signed a ‘Joint Declaration’ to increase inter-ministerial cooperation to take and implement integrated initiatives to prevent and control non-communicable diseases.

In addition, a report by the Health Sector Reform Commission has recommended free provision of essential medicines at the primary health care level. The speakers at the workshop said that since the allocation for the non-communicable diseases sector in the health budget is only 4.2 percent, there is a shortage in the supply of high blood pressure medicines in community clinics and upazila health complexes. Continuous funding is needed for uninterrupted supply of medicines.

GHAI Bangladesh Country Lead Muhammad Ruhul Quddus and Progga Executive Director ABM Zubair were present as discussants at the workshop, and Progga Director Md. Shahedul Alam and Coordinator Sadia Galiba Prabha.