The challenge
Worldwide, more than 1 billion adults require hypertension care, but treatment approaches vary—making it difficult to scale treatment.
The solution
We support countries to develop evidence-based protocols that are easy to follow and include just the few key medications needed to treat most patients, streamlining care delivery and medical supply chains.
The impact
Standardized care for high blood pressure helps manage more patients more efficiently, with better results—and makes it possible to source medicines at a lower cost.
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In depth
How standardized treatment protocols work
When treating high blood pressure, consistency saves lives. We support simple, standard, evidence-based protocols for starting treatment, adjusting dosage, and changing medications step-by-step. Simple protocols empower primary health care teams, including non-physician health workers, to care for their patients in non-specialized settings, making it easier to reach everyone who needs treatment. Program managers can forecast and procure medications in bulk, lowering costs and preventing drug shortages, making it easier for patients to stick to their treatment plans.
Simple protocols, simplified management
Simple protocols work because they only include the preferred, evidence-based drugs and the most commonly needed doses. By specifying how and when to increase doses, include additional medicines, or refer patients to a specialist, they reduce unnecessary variation in treatment approach and improve quality of care.
Unlocking low- or no-cost medicines
Without standard protocols, doctors may prescribe a wide range of medications in different doses, forcing clinics to stock too many options in small amounts. This makes it harder to buy in bulk, predict demand, and keep shelves stocked with life-saving medicines. When supplies run out, patients are forced to turn to expensive private pharmacies—or go without the medication they need. Simple, standardized treatment protocols streamline procurement—and when programs buy just a few carefully selected, cost-effective medicines in large quantities, they can negotiate better prices and keep cost to patients down.
Enabling task-sharing to streamline care
A clear and effective blueprint for treating high blood pressure also makes training and supervision of health care providers easier. Simple protocols allow non-physician health workers to take a more active role in routine hypertension management in primary care, so doctors can focus on more complex cases. This results in shorter wait times, less crowding, and better patient care—and not just for people with high blood pressure.
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Helping patients take control
With simple protocols, patients are prescribed fewer drugs, at consistent dosages, making it easier for them to understand their treatment. Simple treatment protocols also limit disruption from drug shortages and help keep medicines affordable—all of which make it easier for patients to take their medicine consistently, lower their blood pressure, and take back control of their lives.
Learn more about patient-centered care
How we support simple protocols
We support countries to adopt simple treatment protocols that reflect local needs. Working with ministries of health, clinician groups, and other stakeholders, we help relevant authorities to choose and endorse a simple treatment protocol that is clinically sound, low-cost and based on local drug manufacturing, existing supply chains, and existing clinical practices.
We also advocate for the integration of adapted simple treatment protocols into national guidelines for treating high blood pressure so any patient seeking care at any clinic receives standardized, high-quality care.
