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CU Sign "Symposium Hypertension Arterielle"
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SV Professor Hippolyte Aye greeting delegates and takes seat
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GV Delegates
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CU Speakers PAN TO GV & CU Professor Bertrand
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SV Delegates applaud
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SCU Aye speaking PAN TO delegates listening (2 shots)
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CU & GV Delegates applaud
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Initials BB/2148 JT/AH/BB/2206



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: A conference on the treatment of high blood pressure in black Africa opened in Abidjan, capital of the Ivory Coast, on Friday (18 January). This arterial hypertension, as it is known, is believed to cause more deaths than cancer and road accidents combined, and is particularly widespread in black Africa.

The conference, which lasted two days, was attended by specialists from the universities of eighteen African countries. It was organised by the drug manufactures, Merck Sharp and Dohme.

The conference was opened by Professor Hippolyte Aye, Minister of Health and Population in the Ivory Coast. Professor Edmond Bertrand then examined the results of a medical study of 9,000 people in the Ivory Coast. He said that 13 per cent of the Ivorian people were afflicted with high blood pressure. Dr.K.Mezey, an American specialist in drugs to combat this malady, said that many people were afflicted with it but were not aware of it or did not seek medical treatment.

An action committee to fight the problem has been set up in Maghreb, Algeria, where the next conference will be held.

SYNOPSIS:High blood pressure, or arterial hypertension as it is called medically, is particularly common in black Africa. It was the subject of a conference in Abidjan on Friday. The delegates, who included specialists from eighteen African countries, were welcomed by Ivorian minister for Health and Population, Professor Hippolyte Aye. Abnormally high blood pressure is believed to cause more deaths than road accidents and lung cancer combined.

The conference was organised by the drug manufacturers, Merck Sharp and Dohme.

Professor Bertrand of Abidjan University disclosed the results of tests on nine thousand Ivorians. It is believed that thirteen per cent of the population suffer from high blood pressure.

Many people who suffer from the complaint are either not aware of it or do not seek medical help. This was the opinion of Dr. K. Mezey from the United States, who spoke later.

An action committee to combat the problem has been set up in Algeria, where the next conference will be held.