May Measurement Month campaign launched to promote early detection of hypertension and NCDs

A series of activities in the context of May Measurement Month was launched, today at the Municipal Council of Beau Bassin/Rose Hill, in the presence of the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo.

Also present at the event were the Junior Minister of Tourism, Mr Jean Sydney Pierre; the Deputy Mayor of the Municipal Council of Beau Bassin/Rose-Hill, Mrs Gina Frances Lilianna Andréa Poonoosamy; health professionals and other stakeholders.

Organised by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the campaign aims to raise awareness on the prevention and early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension. Activities conducted during the event included blood pressure screening sessions, counselling services, exhibitions on health-related issues, and displays of food plate models to encourage healthier eating habits and lifestyle choices.

In his address, Minister Bachoo described hypertension as a “silent killer”, pointing out that many individuals remain unaware they are suffering from the condition until serious complications occur. He stressed that hypertension is closely associated with heart disease, strokes and renal insufficiency, while statistics showed that 527 deaths linked to hypertension and some 1,070 stroke-related deaths were recorded in Mauritius in 2024. According to the Minister, nearly one-third of the Mauritian population is affected by hypertension, with a significant number of cases remaining undiagnosed.

Dr Bachoo also expressed concern over the growing prevalence of hypertension among young people, noting that cases have been detected among secondary school students through school health programmes. He attributed the rise in hypertension and other NCDs largely to unhealthy lifestyles, including poor dietary habits, smoking, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity.

The Minister further highlighted the various awareness campaigns, outreach programmes and screening exercises being carried out nationwide, while reaffirming Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services and specialised diabetes and hypertension care units in regional hospitals. He urged the population to adopt healthier lifestyles, undergo regular medical check-ups and prioritise prevention to reduce complications and save lives.

For his part, Mr Jean Sydney Pierre encouraged citizens to make full use of Mauritius’ free public healthcare system, including mediclinics, decentralised healthcare facilities, screening services and counselling programmes. He underlined the increasing burden of NCDs such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension in the country, stressing that these diseases are often linked to lifestyle habits and can lead to severe health complications if not detected and managed early.

13 May 2026

Email: gis@govmu.org

Website: https://gis.govmu.org

Mobile App: GIS News

Topics: Health