Abstract

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, gestational hypertension, and 
chronic hypertension complicating pregnancy, are leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality 
worldwide. In West Africa, HDP contributes substantially to adverse pregnancy outcomes against a backdrop of 
heterogeneous health systems, variable antenatal care (ANC) coverage, and limited community awareness. This 
review synthesizes recent evidence on the epidemiology of HDP in West Africa, awareness and knowledge levels 
among pregnant women, risk factors, current screening and risk-reduction strategies, and barriers to 
implementation. We highlight interventions with promising results, task-sharing with community health workers, 
strengthening ANC screening, community education, and health system investments, and identify research and 
policy gaps. Practical, culturally-tailored programs that combine improved access to ANC, targeted health education 
on HDP warning signs, and strengthened referral/emergency obstetric care are essential to reduce the burden of 
HDP in the region.