“Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.” That’s the theme for World Hypertension Day 2025, and in South Africa—where one in three adults is living with high blood pressure—it’s a call we can’t afford to ignore.

Hypertension, often called the ‘silent killer’, typically shows no symptoms until serious complications occur.  Shockingly, more than half of South Africans with hypertension are unaware of their condition, and fewer than one in four have it under control. But in Lwandle township—approximately 50 kilometres outside of Cape Town—mothers2mothers (m2m) Community Mentor Mother Millicent Magwa is using her own experiences to change that and raise awareness.  

Millicent, who has been living with HIV for years, is a trusted source of support and knowledge in her community. As a Mentor Mother, she empowers others to take control of their health. But a few years ago, her own health took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with hypertension. 

“I couldn’t believe it at first,” she recalls. “I was already managing HIV. Adding another condition felt like too much.” She admits she struggled at first—resisting the idea of more medication, more clinic visits, more lifestyle changes.  

Things shifted in 2020 when m2m began rolling out a programme focused on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Through this, Millicent learned that people living with HIV are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to develop hypertension than those who are HIV-negative. This is due to a combination of factors, including long-term antiretroviral treatment use, chronic inflammation, and early ageing. “That’s when it hit me. I was at real risk. And I had to do something.” 

Determined to take back control, Millicent started adhering to her treatment and making healthier choices. She began walking regularly and cutting down on salty, processed foods. Her blood pressure improved—and so did her outlook. “I felt more in control. I realised it’s not just about survival, it’s about living well.”  

This personal transformation aligns with m2m’s broader strategy to address the rising burden of NCDs in sub-Saharan Africa. Recognising the close links between NCDs, HIV, and women’s health, m2m is integrating NCD prevention through adherence to treatment, education and raising awareness on lifestyle diseases and provision of support into our proven and trusted peer-led model. This shift ensures that more families, especially in underserved communities, receive comprehensive support for long-term health and well-being—including early identification and referral and retention in care of those already on treatment.  

Millicent is now using her personal experience to make a difference. She conducts blood pressure screenings in her community, educates families about hypertension, and encourages her clients—especially those living with HIV—to monitor their blood pressure regularly. She also supports them in staying on treatment and adopting a healthy, balanced lifestyle. “Most people don’t know they have it. You can’t feel high blood pressure—you have to measure it,” she explains. 

She recalls one case that sticks with her: a man she visited who had extremely high blood pressure but didn’t know it. “We tested him during a household visit, and I referred him to the clinic. Now he’s on treatment and doing well,” she says. “Sometimes one conversation can change a life.” 

With cardiovascular disease now a leading cause of death globally, early detection and consistent treatment are critical. And for those living with HIV—already navigating a complex health journey—the stakes are even higher.  

Millicent’s story is a powerful reminder that health doesn’t start in a hospital. It starts with knowledge, support, and action. This World Hypertension Day, her message is simple: “Take your meds, adhere to your prescribed treatment and check your blood pressure regularly. Make small changes. You’re not alone.” 

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