Alarmingly, the prevalence of Hypertension has been rising in Papua New Guinea (PNG) due to changing lifestyles, urbanization, and dietary shifts.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against artery walls remains persistently elevated. Often dubbed a “silent killer,” hypertension can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss .
CPL has been actively addressing this health challenge through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
On January 25th, CPL’s Alotau branch conducted a community outreach program at Ganabeu Compound, focusing on free health checks and hypertension education.
The event saw 46 residents undergoing screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Participants were educated on the dangers of high blood pressure, its relationship with high blood sugar, and the importance of regular monitoring.
A City Pharmacy representative emphasized, “Hypertension doesn’t have to remain a silent threat. Together, through education and proactive measures, we can make a difference.”
Historically, hypertension in PNG was rare in traditional societies, but modern trends show an alarming increase, particularly among urban populations and the Initiatives like CPL’s health checks are vital for raising awareness and promoting early intervention.
Through its outreach, CPL reinforces the importance of community well-being and demonstrates its role in addressing public health challenges in PNG.