The World Heart Day is marked on 29th September each year around the world. It is a day celebrated to bring awareness about Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) - a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels including heart attacks and strokes- the world’s leading cause of death.
It is estimated that 17 million people die annually from Cardiovascularor Heart Diseases which contributes to a staggering 31% of all deaths worldwide. This also means more people die every year from cardiovascular diseases than any other cause. 80% of all cardiovascular deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and 75% of such deaths occur in low-income and middle-income countries.Given the costs of treatment, CVDs place a heavy burden on the economies of such communities. Due to the poor access to effective, equitable and responsive health care services, there are delays in diagnosis and management which results in premature deaths especially at a younger age. Non Communicable Diseases are of highest concern in Maldives as they account for 80% of all deaths in island nation.
Many of these people are exposed to unhealthy behaviors, including tobacco use, eating foods containing too much salt and inadequate physical activity which are the major risk factors for CVDs. However, many could be saved by simple measures such better access to medical care for high blood pressure (responsible for the bulk of heart disease-related deaths. Surely, one of the best ways to prevent and reduce the burden of heart diseases is to addressthese behavioral risk factors and ensure individuals do not start tobacco use or they quit tobacco, reduce salt in their diet and consume fruits and vegetables and are exercising regularly.
WHO has identified that cost effective population wide interventions such as stricter tobacco control policies, taxations on high fat, sugar and salt food products, regular physical activities, and ensuring healthy meals in schools for children are best buys for prevention. Health policies that create favorable settings for making healthy choices affordable and available are essential for encouraging people to adopt and sustain healthy practices.
On 22nd September 2016, “Global Hearts”- a new initiative from WHO and partners was launched on the margins of the UN General Assembly with the aim to beat the global threat of CVDs. It compromises of three technical packages- SHAKE (a new set of policy options), HEARTS (tools for CVD management at primary health care level to prevent heart attacks and strokes) and MPOWER (set of six practical measures to implement tobacco control). The package will help countries scale up testes, affordable and adaptable measures to make their health services better able to detect and treat people at risk of, or suffering from, heart disease.
Continued efforts and commitment of Ministry of Health for addressing NCDs are appreciated. I am sure the Government will further ensure enabling policy pronouncements to reduce tobacco use; promote healthy diets and physical activities and improve accessibility and timely availability of treatment to those who need it. WHO as a trusted and reliable partner to Government and People of Maldives will continue to extend all technical support and collaborate with all stakeholders.
I urge and encourage the people of Maldives to adopt healthier lifestyle choices for a Better tomorrow. Let us remember that the “Heart” is at the Heart of everyone’s health, so let us give the care it deserves.
I wish everyone a very happy and healthy World Heart Day 2016.
Dr Arvind Mathur
WHO Representative
OP Ed by Dr Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative on the occasion of World Heart Day 2016
