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Aga Khan University (AKU) is launching the largest
study on hypertension to be conducted in Pakistan, following a US $500,000
grant from UK-based Wellcome Trust, widely known for its high profile in
the best academic and research circles throughout the world. AKU's activities
based on research are strengthened through collaborative linkages with prestigious
national and international institutions with established expertise in particular
areas of focus as defined by the University.
The study entitled "Population-Based Strategies
for Effective Control of High Blood Pressure in Pakistan" is designed by
Dr. Tazeen Jafar, Associate Professor, and faculty from the Departments of
Community Health Sciences and Medicine at AKU, in collaboration with Imperial
College, UK. The launch of the study will take place at AKU on April 19,
2004.
The study follows the successful completion of
a pilot study which used rigorous scientific criteria for determining the
burden of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease in a representative adult
population of Karachi. The study revealed that one in three middle aged adults
have evidence of hypertension and one in four of diabetes and heart disease. The
results also showed that women have at least equivalent risks of heart disease
to men. This is the highest prevalence of chronic illnesses reported from
this region of the world, and deserves emergent attention.
The University appreciates that the endemic problems
of a region beset with financial difficulties and low development indicators
can be addressed only through relevant research focusing on producing low
cost, accessible and innovative solutions.
The full scale study will be conducted on about
20,000 subjects from randomly selected low and middle-income communities
in Karachi. This study includes a population survey to estimate the burden
of cardiovascular disease, and, a randomized intervention trial to assess
the impacts of a Population Approach and a High Risk Approach on control
of high blood pressure.
Outcomes including blood pressure levels of the
study population would be assessed during a follow-up period of two years
and cost effectiveness of the strategies would be assessed by in-depth economic
analysis.
This is the first large scale study on hypertension
to be conducted in Pakistan with the long-term objective of leading the development
of a sustainable and implementable nationwide blood pressure control programme. The
Aga Khan University provides an enabling environment to conduct research
for needs that are widespread. 
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