Dar es Salaam, September 28, 2024: In anticipation of World Heart Day, celebrated on September 29, The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, in collaboration with the Tanzania Cardiac Society, hosted an engaging and impactful event today aimed at raising awareness about heart health and encouraging community participation.
The event featured an energetic aerobic exercise session, free vital checks – including blood pressure and sugar screenings – and insightful discussions led by our esteemed cardiologists and nurses. Attendees also received 50% discount on additional non-invasive diagnostics such as ECG and ECHO, further promoting better heart health across the community.
“As we mark World Heart Day, let us commit to taking care of the most vital muscle in our bodies. A healthy heart is the cornerstone of a healthy life, supporting not only our physical well-being but also our emotional and mental health,” said Murtaza Mukhtar, Head of Clinical Operations at Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, during the event. “Together, we can take proactive steps to nurture our hearts and enhance our quality of life”.
Dr Robert Mvungi, an Interventional Cardiologist and President of the Tanzania Cardiac Society, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to fostering lifestyle changes at the community level. Through raising awareness, regular heart screenings, and accessible treatment, TCS aims to reduce deaths from non-communicable diseases, which currently account for 12.91% of fatalities in Tanzania, with 1.43% attributed to hypertensive heart disease. In collaboration with Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, and other providers of cardiovascular care, TCS will observe World Heart Day on September 29, themed Use Heart for Action, to highlight the importance of cardiovascular health.
Dr. Javed Jalbani, an Interventional Cardiologist, emphasised, “Don’t ignore the warning signs – act fast against heart attacks. This World Heart Day, it is crucial that we prioritise heart health by learning to recognise the early signs of a heart attack. Timely action can make a significant difference in outcomes.
The Aga Khan Hospital is proud to play a vital role in promoting cardiovascular health within our community. Our commitment to raising awareness about heart health is essential, empowering individuals to make informed choices about their well-being. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in today’s event. Your engagement and enthusiasm contributed significantly to its success, helping us foster a healthier community. Jointly, we are making strides toward better heart health, and we look forward to continuing these important conversations and initiatives in the future!
For more information, please contact:
Geofrey Anael,
PR Coordinator,
Aga Khan Health Service, Tanzania
geofrey.anael@akhst.org