TANZANIA: Tanzanian Vice President, Philip Mpango, urged African nations to intensify research efforts on cardiovascular diseases during his address at the HeartTeam Africa Cardiotan 2024 Conference in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Highlighting the insufficient attention given to cardiovascular diseases across the continent, Mpango emphasized the need for research to delve deeper into the determinants of these conditions, extending beyond conventional risk factors.
He underscored the importance of understanding the influence of local practices and cultural habits on the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, particularly prevalent in Africa.
“To overcome cardiovascular diseases, it is imperative for individuals to adopt preventive measures against risk factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity,” stated Mpango, stressing the significance of proactive health management.
He emphasized the necessity of amplifying health awareness campaigns led by healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, and the media.
Citing data from the World Health Organization, Mpango referenced that cardiovascular diseases constitute 7 to 10 percent of all adult hospital admissions in Africa, with heart failure accounting for approximately 3 percent to 7 percent. These statistics underscore the pressing need for concerted action to address the burden of cardiovascular diseases on the continent. —Xinhua/APP
