The silent killer known as high blood pressure claims over 17,000 lives annually in Cameroon, with nearly one in three adults battling the condition. Urban areas, particularly Yaoundé and Douala, report significantly higher rates compared to rural and semi-urban regions. Shockingly, nearly 39% of adults aged 25 to 70 are living with hypertension, a figure that continues to rise.
Why hypertension is surging in Cameroon
Dr. Djoumessi Romance, a rhythmologist at Yaoundé’s Biyem-Assi District Hospital, points to lifestyle shifts as the primary culprit. ‘Cameroonians’ diets are excessively high in salt and saturated fats, while alcohol and tobacco consumption remain dangerously prevalent,’ he explains. ‘Combined with genetic predispositions and aging, these factors create a perfect storm for hypertension.’
Real-life consequences: one man’s wake-up call
Faustin Onana Ebodé, an 80-year-old resident of Yaoundé’s Nkolbikok neighborhood, knows the stakes all too well. After surviving a stroke that left him unable to speak or move his left side, he shared his harrowing experience: ‘I came home late one night, feeling a crushing pressure. Within minutes, my body betrayed me. My wife, a nurse, rushed me to the hospital. I later learned I had been living with undiagnosed hypertension.’
The incident underscores a harsh reality: many Cameroonians unknowingly live with the condition until it’s too late.
Prevention and early detection: the best defense
Health authorities and cardiology professionals urge citizens to take proactive steps. Regular blood pressure checks—at least twice a year—can detect hypertension early and prevent severe complications. Adopting a balanced diet, reducing salt and alcohol intake, and avoiding tobacco are critical lifestyle changes. Public health campaigns emphasize the urgency of these measures to curb the growing epidemic.
