The prevalence of hypertension is increasing worldwide and especially in low and middle income countries (LMICs). 
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of Arterial Hypertension is around 27 percent and 30 percent worldwide. 
In addition to that, 65 percent of people between 60 to 69 years old have high blood pressure globally. 
This year, Rwanda celebrated the World Hypertension day on July 21 2022.  
In Rwanda, the prevalence of Hypertension is estimated to be 15.9 percent and is expected to increase to 17.78 in 2025 due to existing risk factors which include imbalanced diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, alcohol abuse and other non-modifiable risk factors like age and family history. 
 According to Dr. Francois UWINKINDI, the Head of Non-Communicable Diseases in Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the biggest risk is associated with people’s low awareness towards the disease. 
He revealed the concerns during an event to honor the World Hypertension day on Thursday, July 21 at Lemigo Hotel in Kigali. 
“An estimated 46 percent of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition. Less than half of adults (42 percent) with hypertension are diagnosed and treated”, reported Doctor Uwinkindi. 
The event was organized by Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) in collaboration with Rwanda College of Physicians (RCP); an organization of Specialists in Internal Medicine and its subspecialties in Rwanda. 
World Hypertension Day is normally celebrated annually on May 17th and this year’s theme was “Measure Blood Pressure Accurately, control it and prevent cardiovascular events”. 
This event aimed at raising the awareness of Rwandan healthcare providers on the importance and urgent need of adequate screening and Arterial Hypertension control to prevent cardiovascular diseases (CVD).