Libya health survey reveals hypertension affects 25% of adults

A survey conducted by the Libyan Ministry of Health between October 2022 and March 2023 reveals that 25.3% of adults aged 18 to 69 suffer from hypertension or are taking medication for it. Notably, only 8.5% of these cases are reported to be under control.

The data highlights several interconnected risk factors for chronic diseases among the population. Over 56% of participants showed increased weight, 28.9% were obese, and 45.3% reported a lack of physical activity. Additionally, 44.6% of adults were found to be exposed to three or more risk factors.

Medical professional Manal Mansour has raised concerns regarding the timeliness of the data, noting that because the collection ended in March 2023, the results may not accurately reflect the current health status of the population given changing living conditions. Experts emphasize the need for updated data and improved healthcare infrastructure to facilitate early detection, medication availability, and regular patient follow-up.