In the context of World Heart Day 2022, observed annually on 29 September, a health promotion campaign aiming to sensitise the population on Non-Communicable Diseases, was launched, on Saturday, in the presence of the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal, and other personalities, at Jumbo Phoenix Mall.
The event is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Wellness in collaboration with the National Insurance Company, Heart Foundation Mauritius, and Diabetes Foundation Mauritius. The theme retained for the Day is ”Use heart for every heart”.
In his address, Minister Jagutpal underlined that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. Most cardiovascular diseases, he indicated, can be prevented by addressing behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol.
“It is important to detect cardiovascular diseases as early as possible so that counselling and treatment can begin at the right time”, he stated. The Minister thus highlighted the relevance of conducting such campaigns that will help create awareness and enable early diagnosis.
He pointed out that there has been a considerable improvement in the healthcare sector adding that most of the population have recourse to public health care services.
Government, he stated, is doing all in its capacity to create a healthy nation but it also needs the efforts of each and every one to take care of their health, to practise physical exercises, and to have healthy diets.
Speaking on the International Day for Older Persons which is observed on 01 October, Minister Jagutpal indicated that it is important that consideration and special attention are given to the elderly especially as regards their health and well-being. A number of health initiatives and services are being put at their disposal, he added.
The Health Minister further informed that the health promotion campaign will continue in the various regions of the country adding that the next one will be at Grand Baie. He urged the population to be present at the prevention campaigns and to make the most of screening tests and counselling as well as other health care services that are being provided.
