Unseen threat: hypertension claims thousands of lives in Cameroon annually

The silent killer, arterial hypertension, claims over 17,000 lives each year in Cameroon. This condition affects nearly one in three adults nationwide, with urban areas—particularly Yaoundé and Douala—experiencing a significantly higher prevalence compared to rural and semi-urban regions. Official data reveals that nearly 39% of adults aged 25 to 70 live with the condition, often unknowingly.

Lifestyle shifts fuel hypertension surge in urban Cameroon

Dr. Djoumessi Romance, a cardiologist at Biyem-Assi District Hospital in Yaoundé, attributes the sharp rise in hypertension cases to shifting lifestyles among Cameroonians. «Diets laden with salt and unhealthy fats have become the norm, while alcohol and tobacco use remain alarmingly common. Combined with genetic predispositions and aging, these factors create a perfect storm for hypertension,» he explains.

Personal stories reveal the hidden dangers

In Yaoundé, thousands grapple with hypertension daily. One such case is Faustin Onana Ebodé, an octogenarian still under treatment in the Nkolbikok neighborhood of the sixth arrondissement. His story underscores the urgency of awareness and early detection. «I nearly lost my life without realizing I had hypertension. One evening, I returned home around 10 PM feeling fine. Within hours, I lost my speech and my left side went numb. My wife, a nurse, rushed me to the hospital—only then did we discover I had been living with dangerously high blood pressure,» he recounts.

Health authorities urge proactive measures to curb hypertension

Public health institutions and the Cameroonian Society of Cardiology consistently warn about the risks of untreated hypertension. Authorities emphasize the need for lifestyle adjustments and early screening to prevent life-threatening complications. Regular blood pressure checks—at least twice a year—are strongly recommended to detect the condition before irreversible damage occurs.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst