In developing countries, primary prevention may be the only practicable approach to hypertension control at the level of the population. 15 New partners must be sought for population-based approaches. 16 Barriers to the control of hypertension and to the prevention of cardiovascular disease need to be identified and overcome. 7,18 Analysis of the impact of various guidelines and consensus papers, e.g., the reports of the US Joint National Committee, shows that they are very influential in promoting hypertension control. Obviously, the treatment of hypertension must remain at the heart of hypertension control.
Research continues to produce better drugs.
Communication with populations, whether in developing or developed countries, calls for efficient use of communication technology. As funds are scarce, the economics of hypertension control needs particular attention. Cost-effective methods of hypertension control need to be promoted. Social endorsement of hypertension control needs to be strengthened. Much can be learned from the past on how to establish national leagues or societies for the control of hypertension as well as national control programmes.