Silence the Silent Killer 'High Blood Pressure'

Dear Partner,

Every day, your generosity is helping protect lives from hypertension, a health threat affecting millions of people around the world. Through your support, more people, especially older adults, are gaining access to early screening, timely care, and the health knowledge they need to live healthier lives.

In Kenya, hypertension affects nearly one in four adults, with prevalence rising to over 58.3% in individuals between the ages of 60 and 69. Among those 60 and older, studies show that over 40% live with high blood pressure. Older adults in rural communities face greater risks due to limited healthcare access, mobility challenges, and fewer opportunities for regular health checks.

Thanks to your support, early screening is reaching this vulnerable population in the underserved communities we serve, helping detect the condition early, connect people to timely care, and prevent serious complications such as stroke, heart disease, or kidney failure.

Since January, you have enabled HopeCore through Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to conduct 112,584 home visits, bringing health education and disease screenings, including hypertension screening, directly to families in their communities.

Among those visited was Valentinus, a 90-year-old man whose life was saved through timely screening and care. Before his screening, he felt healthy, had no symptoms, and continued with his daily routine, including riding his bicycle. However, the screening revealed that his blood pressure had silently risen to dangerous levels without any warning signs. He was immediately referred to the hospital, where he received urgent care and treatment.

Today, his blood pressure is well managed, and he is living a healthier life. His story reminds us that many people living with hypertension feel perfectly healthy until complications occur, making routine screening essential.

This is just one of the many lives your support has helped save.

So far, this year, we have screened 93,703 community members for high blood pressure, identified 4,330 people with high blood pressure, and referred them for further evaluation and treatment.

Thank you for being part of this vital work. Because of you, community members, older adults are getting the chance to live healthier, longer lives and spend more precious moments with the people they love.

The need, however, remains great. Thousands of older adults are still living with undiagnosed hypertension, unaware of the danger it poses. With your continued support, HopeCore can reach even more communities with life-saving screenings, health education, and follow-up care, ensuring that more people like Valentinus receive help before it's too late.

Sincerely,
The Partnerships and Fundraising Team