NAIROBI, May 17 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday urged stakeholders to join hands and enhance the fight against hypertension in Africa.

Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa, said that addressing hypertension requires a multi-faceted approach that involves individuals, communities, and governments working together.

"We must work together to join the global effort to address hypertension and its related health consequences," Moeti said in a statement released in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, during World Hypertension Day on Wednesday.

Moeti revealed that in the African region, close to 40 percent of adults aged 30-79 years are hypertensive, and only a quarter of them are taking medicines.

She urged African citizens to regularly check their blood pressure and those found with raised levels to adhere to medications as prescribed by the health officials.

Moeti also urged governments in Africa to lead the way by implementing their commitments through policies and programs that address the root causes of hypertension, promote healthy environments, and improve access to healthcare services. Enditem

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