The Yaounde University Teaching Hospital (CHU) has launched a free health campaign from May 13 to 18 in Yaounde ahead of World Hypertension Day celebrated on May 17. The initiative includes screening for hypertension, diabetes, obesity and urinary abnormalities, with the aim of promoting early detection and raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable illnesses.https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension
A health awareness and screening campaign against hypertension officially began on Wednesday May 13 at the Yaounde Teaching Hospital, commonly known as CHU, as part of activities marking the 2026 edition of World Hypertension Day.
The six-day campaign offers free medical screening services to the public and seeks to encourage Cameroonians to monitor their blood pressure and adopt healthier lifestyles in order to reduce the risks linked to hypertension and diabetes.
Throughout the campaign, participants are receiving blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, obesity assessments and free urine examinations. Health professionals
are also providing education on cardiovascular diseases, nutrition and preventive healthcare.
Medical experts describe hypertension as a “silent killer” because many patients develop the disease without experiencing symptoms for several years. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to severe complications such as stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and even death.
The campaign is taking place amid growing concerns over the increasing number of hypertension and diabetes cases in urban areas of Cameroon. Public health specialists warn that sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets rich in salt and fat, obesity and stress are contributing significantly to the rise of cardiovascular diseases.
Organizers say the objective is not only to diagnose patients early, but also to educate the population on the importance of regular medical check-ups and healthier habits.
As part of the sensitization sessions, residents are being encouraged to reduce excessive salt consumption, engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy body weight and avoid tobacco and harmful alcohol consumption.
This year’s World Hypertension Day is celebrated globally under the theme: “Controlling Hypertension Together: Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly, Defeat the Silent Killer.”
Officials at the Yaounde Teaching Hospital hope the campaign will encourage more people to seek preventive healthcare and better manage chronic diseases before complications occur.
The initiative has already drawn many residents eager to know their health status and benefit from free medical consultations and counseling services.
Ornéla ZANGA
