The inception of the Sri Lanka Hypertension Society traces back to May 29, 2000, when its inaugural meeting was convened at the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) auditorium. The society was founded by Vidya Jyothi Prof. Rizvi Sherif, a prominent figure in medicine and nephrology, along with Prof. Rifdy Mohideen, Dr. P.N. Thenabadu, and other distinguished healthcare professionals. This foundational meeting set the stage for the society's mission to enhance awareness, education, and research in hypertension management. A seminal achievement of the society, which continues to hold great value, was the creation of the hypertension guidelines between 2001 and 2002. This endeavour addressed a critical gap in the Sri Lankan medical community by bringing local practices in line with global standards.
Despite its promising start, the Sri Lanka Hypertension Society experienced periods of inactivity due to various challenges. However, on July 7, 2019, the society was revitalized thanks to the dedicated efforts of many individuals who volunteered their time and expertise. Prof Udaya Ralapanawa unanimously elected as the inaugural president during this pivotal relaunch. The relaunch of the society marked a significant turning point, addressing the pressing need for a dedicated team to improve the quality of life for those affected by non- communicable diseases, especially in a country like Sri Lanka where the prevalence of hypertension is notably high.
Globally, hypertension is a major public health issue, often dubbed the "silent killer," affecting an estimated 1.13 billion people. Alarmingly, only a small percentage of those with hypertension have their condition under control, highlighting the critical need for intervention. Since its revival in 2019, the SLHS has been dedicated to combating this silent killer with a clear and focused vision. Our objectives include maintaining the highest standards in hypertension management, advancing knowledge and research, and promoting education among healthcare professionals on the detection, management, and evaluation of hypertension. We also strive to foster international and regional collaborations, raise public awareness about the consequences of hypertension, and provide guidelines for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The society's first year following the relaunch was met with the challenge of the global COVID-19 pandemic, which particularly affected individuals with non-communicable diseases like hypertension. Despite these difficulties, our society played an active role in the collective efforts to combat COVID-19 in Sri Lanka. We adapted our strategies and leveraged digital platforms to continue our mission virtually during restrictions on gatherings and disruptions to healthcare services.
Several initiatives including World Hypertension Day commemorations and May Measurement Month campaigns, which featured island-wide awareness programs for medical and allied health sciences staff, integrating standard management strategies into the healthcare system over the past years. Recognizing the high rate of undiagnosed hypertension in Sri Lanka, around 46.6%, we implemented targeted screening programs. We also expanded our outreach at the regional level, holding meetings for doctors at teaching hospitals, and organized inter-faculty quiz competitions for medical students and hypertension workshops tailored for general practitioners. Acknowledging the vital role of innovation and discovery, our society actively supports research efforts to develop strategic plans for enhancing hypertension control within the Sri Lankan population.
These initiatives have continued to evolve and be implemented over the past five years by dedicated committee members, empowering individuals to take control of their health and facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange within the healthcare community.
A landmark achievement for the Sri Lanka Hypertension Society was its affiliation with the International Society of Hypertension (ISH), a leading global organization in hypertension research, education, and clinical practice. This affiliation has provided access to an international network of researchers, clinicians, and experts, enabling cooperation and knowledge sharing, and has opened doors to funding opportunities, grants, and research collaborations. It has also enhanced our society’s credibility and recognition on international platforms, providing numerous opportunities for professional development through conferences, workshops, and educational programs. We are committed to sustaining our collaborative efforts with ISH and broadening our service scope, thereby enhancing the quality and breadth of our services in the field of hypertension.
In 2021, the society successfully organized its inaugural Hypertension International Conference in partnership with the Sri Lankan College of Internal Medicine. This event offered valuable insights into advanced treatment approaches and national and international- level policies, featuring contributions from esteemed international guest speakers.
Reflecting on the journey of the Sri Lanka Hypertension Society, we recognize the urgent need for collective action to address hypertension and improve cardiovascular health in the Sri Lankan population. We urge healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public to join us in this endeavor. By fostering partnerships, implementing evidence-based interventions, and promoting healthy lifestyles, we can work towards a future where hypertension-related morbidity and mortality are significantly reduced.