Smaller villages showed greater reductions in UNa than larger villages (p = 0.042). At six months the intervention group showed a reduction in systolic (2.54 mmHg ) and diastolic (3.95 mmHg, p = 0.015) BP when compared to control. There was a significant positive relationship between salt intake and both systolic (2.17 mmHg per 50 mmol of UNa per day, p < 0.001) and diastolic BP (1.10 mmHg, p < 0.001) at baseline. Primary end-points were urinary sodium excretion and BP levels. A health promotion intervention was provided over 6 months to all villages. Average BP was 125/74 mmHg and urinary sodium (UNa) 101 mmol/day. We carried out a community-based cluster randomised trial of health promotion in 1,013 participants from 12 villages (628 women, 481 rural dwellers) mean age 55 years to reduce salt intake and BP. A population-wide approach with programmes based on health education and promotion is thus possible. In Africa salt is added to the food by the consumer, as processed food is rare. BP can be lowered by reducing salt intake. Detection, treatment and control of high blood pressure (BP) is limited. In Africa hypertension is common and stroke is increasing.
