How Do You Silence the Silent Killer? Combating Hypertension in the Community

According to the World Health Organization, 5.7 million Kenyans are hypertensive. Unfortunately, 4.3 million (75.4%) of these hypertensive people are unaware of their status or have not tested their blood pressure. According to the Ministry of Health in Kenya, almost one in four Kenyans 20-50 years and one in two Kenyans over 50 years has hypertension. Sadly, more than half have never had their blood pressure measured.

Applying the above estimates to Tharaka Nithi means that of the 218,766 adults in Tharaka Nithi, 108,652 or 49.7% are hypertensive. Of these hypertensive clients, more than 55,000 have never had their blood pressure measured.

In 2020, Tharaka Nithi County recorded 27,136 hypertension cases and in 2021, hypertension accounted for 55,755 outpatient visits (KHIS 2020 & 2021). These numbers are incredibly low compared to what we would expect based on the population of the county.

In response to this silent crisis, in August 2021, HopeCore trained 635 CHVs on hypertension in Mwimbi, Muthambi, Chuka, and IgambaNg’ombe sub-counties in four thematic areas: causes of hypertension, risk factors, prevention, and management.

HopeCore then further trained 256 CHVs in Mwimbi and Muthambi sub-counties on checking blood pressure using digital BP machines.  After demonstrating proficiency, HopeCore then provided CHVs with digital blood pressure machines. Between August and December 2021, HopeCore CHVs screened 4,140 community members for hypertension. Upon analysis of the data, we found that 26.53% of community members had elevated blood pressure. Further, 14.27% were hypertensive stage 1, 4.19% were hypertensive stage 2, and 2.07% were in hypertensive crisis. The clients with elevated high blood pressure were all referred to link facilities for further management.

Call for Action: Silence the Silent Killer

With the situation worsening each day, there is a need for drastic and unified action to create community awareness and curb the disease through timely screening and treatment.  You can be part of this noble cause and save lives by donating digital blood pressure machines to 480 CHVs in Tharaka Nithi County. Your donation will enable CHVs to intensify community screening and contribute to just, equal, and dignified healthcare for all. Approximately 9,640 community members will be screened monthly in their homes.

The BP machine will remain in the community at all times to ensure continuous screening by CHVs, hence having long-term positive health outcomes. With your help, we can bring healthcare to the homes of the people who need it most.

Please consider telling your friends and family about our community hypertension program and the fundraiser.

How to Donate

1.             M-Changa- Go to your Mpesa account, Lipa Na Mpesa; enter the 891300 as the pay bill number, 55371 as the account number, followed by the MPesa pin.

2.     Bank Account Transfer

KCB Account Name-          VHI(K) Public Health Reserve Account

KCB Account Number- 1132830133

NB- Please send the confirmation slip/message to finance@villagehopecore.org or WhatsApp Esther on 0741370307.

3.     In-kind donations

You can donate

- BP machines with the following specifications; Omron M2 basic blood pressure monitor. For shipping/delivery assistance, reach out to Esther on 0741370307.

- Batteries- Energizer  Size AA