NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Hypertension is not an infectious disease, but like HIV it can lead to fatal and disabling illness. It is estimated that the number of deaths attributable to the condition globally over the next 20 years may substantially exceed the number resulting from HIV/AIDS.

Yet the researchers – experts in social policy, international development, public health and HIV – say there is “denial” and misunderstanding about the impact of hypertension, despite the two conditions having a number of things in common. Both diseases can also be treated and managed as chronic conditions through a combination of drug treatment and lifestyle changes.