Fiji, Oct. 21 -- About 430 million people across the Western Pacific are affected by hypertension, putting millions at risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death as health ministers meet to accelerate action on the region's major health threats.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says hypertension control remains poor across much of the region, with rates below 10 percent in some Pacific island countries and areas, highlighting a major gap in the prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases.

The warning comes as health ministers and senior officials gather for the 77th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, being held from 19 to 22 October to address stalled progress in hypertension control, tobac...