Mauritius: The government of Mauritius is commemorating the World Heart Day 2024 on Saturday. They inaugurated newly renovated Cardiac Out-Patient Department (OPD) at the Victoria Hospital, Candos,.
The World Heart Day 2024 is observed every year on 29 September. This event also marked the launch of a series of activities aimed at raising awareness about heart health.
The Mauritian health stakeholders are also working on promoting preventive measures against cardiovascular diseases. The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal delivered a brief address at the event.
Parliamentary Private Secretary, Marie Alexandra Tania Diolle; World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Mauritius, Dr Anne Marie Ancia attended the inauguration. Other personalities from the government and health sector were also present on the occasion.
Dr Jagutpal expanded upon the importance of the inauguration of the new facility for the people of the community. He also talked about the annual commemoration of World Heart Day and highlighted this year’s theme “Use Heart for Action.”
The theme according to him serves as a reminder for everyone to take proactive steps to safeguard their hearts and those of the people around them. He highlighted that it is important to understand heart health and the need for action.
At the same time e indicated that in Mauritius, cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the leading causes of death, accounting for 33% of fatalities, with 3 814 deaths reported in 2023, alongside significant hospital visits and procedures, underscoring the urgent need for improved heart health initiatives and advanced medical technology.
The Health Minister further stressed the need to understand the causes of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, referencing the NCD Survey results, which show concerning statistics regarding physical activity, obesity, and smoking rates among the population.
Additionally, a 2022 National Nutrition Survey revealed excessive rice consumption, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, and high rates of anemia among women and girls, pointing out significant public health issues, he observed.
On this note, Dr Jagutpal encouraged everyone to prioritise their health by exercising, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoid smoking, drugs, and alcohol to ensure a better quality of life and good health.