Developing countries, including Zambia, are undergoing an epidemiological transition from communicable to noncommunicable diseases. It has been estimated that approximately 75% of older people will suffer from hypertension in low- and middle-income countries by the year 2025.

In May 2017, the Zambia NCD Alliance joined the Zambia Heart and Stroke Foundation, the International Society for Hypertension and the World Hypertension League in conducting a national cross-sectional blood pressure (BP) survey of volunteer adults aged 18 years and above.

The campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of blood pressure checks among all adults. The survey aimed to collect data on untreated hypertension to motivate the government to improve national screening facilities and policies, and thereby reduce the national burden of diseases associated with raised BP.

The screening was conducted from 1 May to 31 May 2017.