A nationwide campaign aimed at enhancing early detection of cardiovascular diseases has successfully screened over 95 per cent of individuals who visited government healthcare and examination centres in the past year. The 'Your Pulse' initiative was introduced as an early intervention system targeting individuals aged 40 and above who are at high risk, offering them medical advice and essential treatments. This initiative reached 80 per cent of the campaign's intended demographic.
Furthermore, a standardised protocol for calculating the Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Score has been implemented across all government health facilities nationwide. These efforts, combined with the national campaign for early detection of hypertension, aim to reduce cardiovascular disease mortality rates by 33 per cent by 2030.
The national campaign to detect hypertension early, launched in May 2023, has benefitted over 140,000 people during its year-long run. It revealed that 13.2 per cent of participants were already aware of their hypertension and receiving treatment, while 4 per cent were newly diagnosed. The campaign also identified links between hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, and various forms of smoking.
The findings were presented at an event hosted by the ministry in Dubai, in partnership with government, private, and telecommunications sector entities. Dr. Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, emphasized that the results of these campaigns will greatly support the government's innovative health strategies. He noted that ensuring cardiovascular health will help reduce premature mortality, achievable through prevention, early diagnosis, and advanced healthcare for all.
These results will also shape future health policies, aligning resources with anticipated health needs and fostering a sustainable society where everyone enjoys a high quality of life. The ministry, in collaboration with its partners, has developed a national plan to manage preventive and community health programs, focusing on enhancing the quality of life nationally. This plan emphasizes building the skills of healthcare professionals and educating the public on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, nutritious eating, reduced salt intake, and smoking cessation.
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