The ongoing global health crisis has affected millions of people the world over, and hypertension remains the biggest contributing risk factor to global death. More alarmingly, high blood pressure (BP) is the number one preventable cause of premature deaths in the Philippines.
However, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in the country remain relatively low. To help address these, the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH) is continuing its annual May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign this 2021 with a new implementation approach.
The International Society of Hypertension (ISH) made some changes to the format of this year’s MMM campaign to meet its objectives even while complying with the safety protocols implemented in participating countries. The campaign is usually held on World Hypertension Day, which is observed every May 17, but MMM 2021 is extended and will run from May 1 to November 30.
“Aside from the extension of the campaign period, we are putting in place measures to ensure that we are promoting awareness not just about hypertension but overall public health as well. This means making sure that throughout the campaign, our volunteers, partners and participants can join without worrying about their safety and wellness,” shared Dr. Alejandro F. Diaz, MMM 2021 country lead.
The Manila City Mayor’s office has also shown its solidarity with PSH and its cause by supporting the launch of the campaign, as well as the actual submission process of captured data from onsite screening efforts. OMRON, which has been the official equipment partner for MMM since its inception in 2017, has also pledged more than 1,000 BP monitors in support of the MMM 2021.
“We want our fellow Filipinos to be mindful of the symptoms of hypertension as they prioritize their health during these challenging times. Filipinos of all ages and across all backgrounds are susceptible to high blood pressure. The adverse effects of hypertension is what PSH and MMM are rallying to prevent,” shared PSH President Dr. Deborah Ona.
As home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) becomes a major component of the MMM campaign during the pandemic, PSH is also rolling out reminders on the proper method of taking blood pressure readings. Clinically validated BP monitors are key tools for capturing accurate readings and better data tracking instead of manual monitors.
Aside from raising awareness about hypertension, PSH is pushing governments to improve BP screening facilities and healthcare systems. The campaign aims to reduce the global burden of disease and death caused by high blood pressure. In the past three years, people from more than 100 countries have been screened as part of the largest free public blood pressure screening program in the world.
