Situational analysis of hypertension in Ukraine 2025

Overview

This situational analysis examines the burden, management and system response to hypertension in Ukraine, where elevated blood pressure is a leading contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and premature mortality. National survey and administrative data show a high prevalence (around 43% among adults aged 30–79 years), substantial underdetection and major gaps in treatment and control, with only a small proportion of patients achieving target blood pressure levels. The full-scale war has intensified risk factors, disrupted continuity of care and increased cardiovascular events. Hypertension management is structurally anchored in primary health care, as supported by recent reforms including updated national clinical protocols and expansion of the Affordable Medicines Programme to cover fixed-dose combinations. However, implementation gaps persist: limited diagnostic capacity at primary level, therapeutic inertia, suboptimal adherence, weak patient self-management support, workforce shortages and fragmented information systems. Despite improved access to medicines and stronger policy frameworks, blood pressure control remains far below WHO European Regional averages. The report highlights opportunities to strengthen prevention through WHO best buys, improve detection and follow-up, enhance guideline implementation, expand nurse roles, support patient education, and align financing and data systems. Systematic execution of existing reforms could substantially reduce preventable cardiovascular disease and mortality in Ukraine.