Early detection, blood pressure screenings highlight campaign vs hypertension
MANILA, Philippines — Hypertension is one of the major health concerns in the Philippines today. Recent data from the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) show that an estimated one in three Filipino adults aged 30 to 79 is living with hypertension, thus translating the number to a whopping 16.8 million as of 2024 to 2025.
Hypertension often develops unnoticed. In many cases, it only reveals itself through serious complications, such as heart disease and stroke. This is why it is important to catch it early and be able to manage it properly.
The Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH) and OMRON Healthcare recently renewed their annual alliance to raise awareness on hypertension and effect early detection, sustained blood pressure controls, and medical intervention. But more than this, the campaign, which runs until July 31, aims to save lives, as it underscores the need for regular blood pressure monitoring as a frontline defense against one of the world’s leading causes of preventable death.
What happens for the duration of the campaign is that the PSH, supported by DOH, hospitals, community organizations and volunteers, shall mobilize nationwide free blood pressure screenings using OMRON’s clinically validated digital monitors. There will also be a conscious effort to promote healthier lifestyles even as valuable data is gathered during the campaign to guide future healthcare strategies.
This year’s campaign, launched at Novotel Hotel Cubao, carries forward the rallying cry of #BigSqueeze, reminding Filipinos that every simple squeeze of a blood pressure cuff can save lives. The event brought together not just PSH leaders and DOH officials but also international representatives from the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) and World Hypertension League (WHL).
Emphasizing the urgency of early detection, Dr. Alejandro Bimbo F. Diaz, president of the PSH, stressed, “High blood pressure is not a single number. It starts slowly when you are in your 20s. So it should be a continued low intensity campaign of knowing your blood pressure regularly.”
He added: “Hypertension is a silent but serious health risk. May Measure Month reminds us each year that early detection is our strongest defense against it.”
Echoing the same concern, Dr. Benjamin Balmores Jr., country leader of May Measure Month 2026, said, “Raised blood pressure is the number one cause of preventable death worldwide. We are improving awareness by helping people get their blood pressure checked every May, completely free, all across the world.”
The program also aligns with World Hypertension Day, which was celebrated on May?17 this year, reinforcing support and participation for the global movement. Highlights included solidarity messages, ceremonial blood pressure checks by PSH officers, the participation of PSH chapters across the country, and a signing of support from alliance members.
DOH reinforced the message, stressing the campaign’s role in advancing national health priorities and empowering communities to act before complications arise.
Through screenings, education, and community engagement, the campaign sustains its yearly mission: Every blood pressure check is another step toward a healthier future for Filipinos.
For more information on how to get involved, follow updates from the Philippine Society of Hypertension and Omron Healthcare.
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