For years, medical professionals have referred to hypertension as the “silent killer.” It is a condition that often progresses without a single outward symptom, quietly damaging the arteries and organs until a catastrophic event—a stroke, a heart attack, or kidney failure—forces a diagnosis. In Senegal, this silent progression has now been quantified with alarming precision.
New data from the 2024 STEPS survey, conducted by the Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action, reveals that hypertension prevalence in Senegal now affects 24.5% of adults aged 18 to 69. This figure represents nearly a quarter of the adult population, signaling a significant public health challenge that demands immediate systemic intervention and increased public awareness.
As a physician, I have seen how these statistics translate into human suffering. When nearly one in four adults is living with high blood pressure, the burden does not just fall on the individual; it strains the entire healthcare infrastructure. The 2024 findings are not merely numbers; they are a call to action for a nation grappling with a rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that threaten to offset gains made in infectious disease control.
The scale of the issue becomes even more acute when the data is disaggregated by age. The survey highlights a steep upward trajectory in prevalence as citizens age: among those aged 44 to 59, the rate climbs to 42.9% and for the 60 to 69 age bracket, it reaches a staggering 57.4%. This suggests that more than half of Senegal’s older adult population is living with a condition that, if left uncontrolled, drastically increases the risk of disability and premature death.
The STEPS 2024 Framework: A Modern Approach to Surveillance
To understand these figures, it is essential to understand how they were gathered. The Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action utilized the WHO STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS). This is a standardized global methodology designed to help countries collect, analyze, and disseminate baseline data on NCD risk factors in a way that is comparable across international borders.
The 2024 survey was not a mere repetition of the previous effort conducted in 2015. Instead, the Ministry’s Division of Fight against Non-Communicable Diseases (DLMNT) introduced significant innovations to capture a more holistic picture of the nation’s health. While the 2015 survey focused on core risk factors, the 2024 iteration expanded its scope to include modules on mental health, chronic kidney disease, and chronic respiratory diseases.
Perhaps most notably, the survey integrated environmental and social determinants of health, such as pollution and the practice of skin bleaching (dépigmentation), as well as auditory and visual impairments and the impact of trauma, and violence. By expanding the lens, Senegal is moving toward a more integrated model of public health that recognizes that hypertension does not exist in a vacuum, but is often intertwined with environmental stressors and other comorbid conditions.
The Clinical Stakes: Beyond the Blood Pressure Cuff
From a clinical perspective, the 24.5% prevalence rate is a precursor to a wave of secondary complications. Hypertension occurs when the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, which over time weakens the vessels and damages the organs they supply. When this condition remains undiagnosed or poorly managed, the results are often devastating.
The primary concern is the risk of an Accident Vasculaire Cérébral (AVC), or stroke. High blood pressure is the leading cause of both ischemic strokes (caused by clots) and hemorrhagic strokes (caused by bursts in the brain’s blood vessels). In a healthcare system already under pressure, the long-term rehabilitative care required for stroke survivors creates a profound economic and emotional burden on families.
the heart and kidneys are primary targets of chronic hypertension. The heart must work harder to pump blood against increased resistance, leading to left ventricular hypertrophy and, eventually, heart failure. Simultaneously, the delicate filtering units of the kidneys—the nephrons—can be destroyed by high pressure, leading to chronic kidney disease. This creates a dangerous feedback loop, as kidney dysfunction can, in turn, further elevate blood pressure.
The Socio-Economic Impact of the Hypertension Epidemic
The epidemiological shift toward NCDs in West Africa is often linked to “urbanization” and changes in lifestyle. The transition from traditional diets to processed foods high in sodium, coupled with a decrease in physical activity in growing urban centers, has created a perfect storm for hypertension. However, the impact is not limited to the wealthy or the urbanized; the 2024 data suggests a widespread systemic issue.
The economic implications are twofold. First, there is the direct cost of treatment—medications, regular monitoring, and hospitalizations. Second, there is the indirect cost of lost productivity. When a significant portion of the workforce, particularly those in the 44-59 age group (where prevalence is 42.9%), suffers from hypertension-related complications, the national economy loses experienced professionals and caregivers.
the “silent” nature of the disease means that many patients only enter the healthcare system after a crisis has occurred. Treating a stroke is exponentially more expensive than managing hypertension with daily medication and lifestyle modifications. This makes the 2024 survey results a critical tool for policymakers to shift funding toward primary prevention and early screening.
Pathways to Prevention and Control
Addressing a 24.5% prevalence rate requires a multi-pronged strategy that moves beyond the clinic and into the community. The first pillar of this strategy is universal screening. Because hypertension is often asymptomatic, the only way to detect it is through regular blood pressure checks. Expanding access to digital sphygmomanometers in community centers and pharmacies can help identify “hidden” cases before they escalate into emergencies.
The second pillar is lifestyle modification. This includes a reduction in dietary salt intake—a significant challenge in regions where preserved foods and bouillon cubes are staples—and the promotion of physical activity. As a physician, I emphasize that these are not merely “suggestions” but clinical interventions that can lower systolic blood pressure significantly.
Finally, there must be a focus on treatment adherence. Hypertension is a lifelong condition. The challenge in many regions is not just getting a patient to start medication, but ensuring they continue it for decades. Integrating hypertension management into existing primary care frameworks and utilizing community health workers to track patient adherence can improve long-term outcomes.
Key Takeaways from the STEPS 2024 Survey
- National Prevalence: 24.5% of Senegalese adults (18-69) have hypertension.
- Age-Related Risk: Prevalence jumps to 42.9% for ages 44-59 and 57.4% for ages 60-69.
- Expanded Scope: The 2024 survey now tracks mental health, kidney disease, and pollution alongside traditional risk factors.
- Critical Risks: Uncontrolled hypertension is a primary driver of strokes (AVC), heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
- Methodology: The data was collected using the WHO STEPwise approach to ensure international comparability.
What Happens Next?
The presentation of these results on July 2, 2025, by the Ministry of Health and Social Action, marked the beginning of a new phase in Senegal’s fight against NCDs. The data is now being used to refine national health strategies and allocate resources to the hardest-hit demographics.
The next critical checkpoint will be the implementation of updated clinical guidelines and the rollout of expanded screening programs based on the STEPS 2024 findings. Public health officials are expected to use this data to launch targeted awareness campaigns, particularly focusing on the 40+ age group, to encourage routine blood pressure monitoring.
For those living in Senegal or with family there, the message is clear: do not wait for symptoms to appear. A simple blood pressure check can be the difference between a manageable condition and a life-altering medical crisis.
Do you believe your local health system is doing enough to screen for “silent” killers like hypertension? Share your thoughts in the comments below or share this article to help raise awareness.