Servier South Africa calls for urgent action to combat SA’s ‘silent killer’ through patient empowerment

Marking World Hypertension Day on 17 May 2026, Servier South Africa is calling for a fundamental shift in how high blood pressure is addressed. Under the banner “Controlling Hypertension Together”, the organisation emphasises that improving outcomes depends on extending care beyond clinic settings and empowering patients to take an active role in managing their health.

Hypertension remains the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney failure in South Africa. Recent 2026 data indicates that nearly 46% of South African adults are living with hypertension. The condition is responsible for one in every two strokes and two in every five heart attacks.

At the same time, an estimated 50% of individuals with hypertension are unaware of their condition, often only being diagnosed after a major health event such as a stroke or heart attack.

Rising obesity and lifestyle changes have also contributed to an increase in hypertension among South Africans aged 18–35, reflecting a growing burden in younger populations.

Beyond mortality, uncontrolled hypertension carries a significant morbidity burden. Patients may experience long-term complications including impaired vision, cognitive decline and chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis. This places additional strain on an already burdened healthcare system, particularly in the context of co-morbid conditions such as HIV, where treatment complexity is increased.

Traditional clinic-based models continue to show limited success in achieving blood pressure control. Evidence from South African clinical trials, including the IMPACT-BP study, indicates control rates as low as 33% under conventional care. However, when patients are actively supported to manage their condition, control rates can exceed 60%.

“We can no longer expect patients to be passive recipients of care,” says Virosha Deonarain, medical manager at Servier South Africa. “Achieving health equity in South Africa requires placing greater agency in the hands of individuals. By strengthening health literacy and community engagement, we can bridge the gap between clinical care and everyday life, enabling people to take ownership of their journey toward better health.”

Central to this approach is the “Own Your Number” campaign, which encourages regular screening and consistent self-management to reduce the intimidation often associated with hypertension. By understanding and tracking their blood pressure, individuals are better equipped to take control of their cardiovascular health.

In support of World Hypertension Day 2026, Servier South Africa is rolling out community screening drives in partnership with local pharmacies, offering free blood pressure testing.

Digital health tools such as My HealthPartner provide personalised, certified content to support healthier lifestyles and improved self-management. Healthcare providers are additionally being trained to adopt a shared decision-making approach that prioritises patient needs and barriers to adherence.