Hypertension has been perceived as a common and serious problem in the
community. Hypertension has been perceived as symptomatic; however, ambiguity prevails over
perceived symptoms. Awareness and knowledge about hypertension and its consequences are
inadequate in these communities. The felt needfor awareness campaigns and mass screening
programmes has emerged from the community and it provides enabling environment to
successfully carry out public health interventions,by addressing the existing gaps, for prevention
and control of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.