Initiative to tackle cardiovascular diseases launched

The Health Ministry in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) on Friday launched the HEARTS Technical Package initiative aimed at tackling cardiovascular diseases and ultimately seeks a reduction in the death rate.

The Eccles Health Centre will now be provided with the necessary equipment to test for cardiovascular diseases as well as the adequate medication needed to treat these diseases.
PAHO/WHO representative Dr Felipe Luis Codina noted that sustained implementation of the HEARTS initiative will help Guyana to move from being the country with the second-highest incidence of deaths from cardiovascular diseases.
“It is anticipated that the implementation of the HEARTS initiative will contribute to the achievement of PAHO’s vision that by the HEARTS initiative will be an institutionalised model for cardiovascular disease risk management, including diabetes and hypertension,” he stated.
In his address, advisor to the Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy explained that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases are significantly responsible for limiting life expectancy, and is one of the major contributors to disability and the number 1 cause of mortality in Guyana.
As such, he noted that access to this type of healthcare is critical.
“It is critical to bring such healthcare to the people of our country no matter where they live and no matter what level of healthcare facility they accept.”
“It’s a modest start but we hope by 2025 Guyana could… that our HEARTS programme is in the entire public health system no exceptions.”
Meanwhile, in his feature address, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony explained that Guyana will be moving away from infectious diseases very soon as there are plans in the health sector to counter them.
“What epidemiologist would call an epidemiological transition; we are moving from infectious diseases to what is called chronic non-communicable diseases.”
“And looking down the road, our challenges are really with these what we call the cardiovascular diseases – high blood pressure or hypertension, diabetes, we are also looking at renal diseases or kidney diseases, we have cerebrovascular diseases and of course, mental health issues…these are the problem the affect most of the population now” the Minister explained.
He added that these diseases are predicted to cause major challenges in the future but programmes such as HEARTS will assist to manage these diseases.
“If we are able to manage these diseases, identify them early and manage them well then people are going to live longer and healthier lives.
Minister Anthony, apart from treating and controlling diseases, urged citizens to make healthy choices in their daily lifestyle and avoid risk factors.
“So, we know for many of these diseases are things you call risk factors, if you indulge in them then they are going to be the reason why you’re going to get some of these diseases.”
“So, if you’re smoking this can affect your chances of getting these chronic non-communicable diseases.”
“The next thing we got to look at is alcohol consumption this is one of the areas where we must reduce alcohol consumption because Guyanese on average drink too much,” the Minister said.
He also encouraged Guyanese to make healthier choices in what they eat as well as get regular exercise.
Lethem, Port Mourant, Anna Regina, Campbellville, Industry, Grove and the Lusignan Health Centres are the next to benefit from the HEARTS Technical Package initiative.