Why More South Africans Are Being Encouraged to “Own Their Number” This World Hypertension Month
Londiwe Buthelezi
27 May 2026
Hypertension has quietly become one of South Africa’s most urgent public health threats. As the country marks World Hypertension Month 2026, healthcare experts are calling on South Africans to “Own Their Number” – to understand, monitor, and actively manage their blood pressure before it’s too late.
The Scale of the Problem
Nearly 46% of South African adults are living with hypertension – the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure.¹ The condition is responsible for one in every two strokes and two in every five heart attacks in the country.²˒³
What makes it particularly dangerous is how silently it develops. An estimated 50% of those affected don’t know they have it, often only receiving a diagnosis after a major health event.³ Younger South Africans are increasingly at risk too, with rising obesity and lifestyle changes driving hypertension rates among those aged 18-35.⁵
A Growing Burden on the Healthcare System
Left uncontrolled, hypertension causes far more than cardiovascular damage. Complications include impaired vision, cognitive decline, and chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis. In South Africa, co-morbidities such as HIV add further complexity to treatment, placing additional strain on an already pressured healthcare system.⁴˒⁵
The Case for Patient Empowerment
Clinic-based care alone isn’t enough. Evidence from South African clinical trials, including the IMPACT-BP study, shows control rates as low as 33% under conventional care – yet when patients are actively supported, control rates can exceed 60%.¹
“We can no longer expect patients to be passive recipients of care,” says Virosha Deonarain, Medical Manager at Servier South Africa. “Achieving health equity requires placing greater agency in the hands of individuals – strengthening health literacy and community engagement to bridge the gap between clinical care and everyday life.”
Taking Ownership
Servier South Africa’s “Own Your Number” campaign aims to reduce the intimidation around hypertension by promoting regular screening and self-management. Practical conversations around nutrition, physical activity, stress, and medication consistency are central to helping individuals take control.
Community screening drives in partnership with local pharmacies are offering free blood pressure testing this month, and digital tools such as My HealthPartner provide personalised, certified support for healthier lifestyles. Healthcare providers are also being trained in shared decision-making to better address patient needs and barriers to adherence.
For information and screening drives near you, visit www.myhealthpartner.co.za
References
- Siedner MJ et al. Home-Based Care for Hypertension in Rural South Africa. N Engl J Med 2025;393:1304–1314.
- Health on World Hypertension Day commemoration | South African Government
- Sobuwa Y. Hypertension, a silent epidemic affecting millions in South Africa. 19 May 2025. Health News
- Tokwe L, Naidoo JR. Lived experiences of HIV and hypertension in the Eastern Cape. Afr J Prm Health Care Fam Med. 2020
- Goorani S. et al. Hypertension: A Continuing Public Healthcare Issue. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025
