The 4^th of December saw the launch of an exciting new Hypertension clinic at Mulanje Mission Hospital.   Raised blood pressure is a growing problem in Malawi affecting up to a third of the population, with an estimated 75% undiagnosed.  Here at the mission hospital we also regularly see people admitted with the consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure such as strokes, kidney disease, and eye problems.

Our new dedicated clinic will help us provide a specialist service tailored for their needs. This will provide a reliable supply of medication, and also vital patient information on lifestyle measures to reduce blood pressure. For example, did you know that according to the World Health Organisation the recommended maximum amount of salt to be eaten daily is just six grams; the equivalent of one teaspoon!

A team from Mulanje Mission Hospital was lucky enough to attend a training course sponsored by the British Hypertension Society. This was run by two Consultant Nurse Specialists in Hypertension from the UK (see http://www.justgiving.com/Naomi-Stetson) and Dr Gavin Dreyer from the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre. Nurses Mary and Mary, and clinicians Mwai, Sam and Clare learnt a lot from the day, and have put theory into action by starting a weekly clinic for Hypertension and Diabetes.  They would all like to say a big thank you to the British Hypertension Society for the training provided, and Omron for the provision of essential clinic equipment.

All staff members are welcome and encouraged to come for regular blood pressure checks, and of course if you haven’t had your own blood pressure checked recently, now is the time to visit us in person!