By Give2Asia
In rural China, hypertension is prevalent, yet Give2Asia’s Rural Healthy Family Program is helping families receive care. Photo: Give2Asia
In the heart of rural China, where access to healthcare can be limited and families often bear the brunt of preventable chronic conditions, a new approach is offering hope—and measurable results. The China Rural Healthy Family Program, a recent initiative led by Give2Asia, is designed to combat one of the country’s most pressing and under-addressed health crises: hypertension.
Today, 1 in 4 adults in China live with hypertension, yet only 16.8% of those cases are under control. In rural areas, the numbers are even more stark, with control rates as low as 10.6%—nearly half that of urban centers. These statistics aren’t just numbers; they represent the daily struggles of millions of families navigating the risks of stroke, heart disease, and financial strain due to inadequate care.
To address this, Give2Asia launched the Rural Healthy Family Program, introducing a family-centered, community-based model that empowers households to take an active role in managing their health.
Healthcare worker measuring blood pressure. Photo: Give2Asia
A Grassroots Approach to Health Management
Rather than relying solely on clinical interventions, the program focuses on strengthening local support systems. Each participating household designates a “family health manager,” who works in tandem with village doctors and trained family health instructors. Together, they monitor blood pressure, encourage sustainable lifestyle changes, and distribute essential tools such as blood pressure monitors, low-sodium salt, and weighing scales. Educational resources—developed in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology—support these efforts by raising awareness and promoting prevention strategies at the community level.
In 2024, the program launched its pilot in Ruyang County, Henan Province. Within several months, the number of residents in participating villages with above-standard systolic and diastolic blood pressure was reduced by 22% and 15%, respectively. The speed and scale of this impact demonstrate how deeply localized, family-focused interventions can transform health outcomes.
Providing instruction and guidance for the Rural Healthy Family Program to residents. Photo: Give2Asia
Collaborating for Greater Impact
The strength of this initiative lies in its partnerships. Give2Asia works alongside internationally recognized experts, including the American College of Cardiology and Professor Du Xin of Beijing Anzhen Hospital. The program is also supported by Professor Craig Anderson (President-elect of the World Stroke Organization). These collaborations ensure the program is both evidence-based and culturally grounded, tailored to meet the needs of rural communities.
As part of its commitment to sustainable and scalable impact, Give2Asia also provides rigorous program monitoring and risk management—key to ensuring long-term success and replicability in new regions.
Community healthcare worker delivering supplies and providing instruction and guidance for the Rural Healthy Family Program to residents. Photo: Give2Asia
Scaling Up for Sustainable Change
The cost to support one village is modest—just RMB 56,000 yuan (around $8,000) per year—making the program an exceptionally cost-effective model for rural health intervention. To expand to a new county, reaching 40 villages and approximately 2,000 households, Give2Asia is seeking RMB 2.24 million yuan ($320,000) in funding.
This is more than a health initiative—it’s a pathway to stronger, more resilient communities.
About Give2Asia
Since 2001, Give2Asia has facilitated over $500 million in charitable contributions across Asia, supporting initiatives in healthcare, education, disaster resilience, and more. The China Rural Healthy Family Program reflects Give2Asia’s mission to work hand-in-hand with local communities to build long-term solutions to complex challenges.