Yesterday, the Prudential heart camp commenced at the Uganda Railway grounds in Kampala as well as launching a heart index as major drive to reduce cardiovascular disease in the country.
After a critical survey carried out by sync media in six areas including Kampala, Mukono, Entebbe, Jinja, Gulu and Mbarara displayed that Mukono and Entebbe residents have the healthiest indicators for heart health whereas Kampala and Gulu scored towards the bottom of the index.
The survey located heart complications caused majorly by unawareness about heart diseases, hypertension, Alcohol consumption, inactivity and poor diet.
CEO Prudential Uganda, Arjun Mallik said that the Prudential Heart Index (carried out by research consultants Sync Media) is designed to teach us that while the risk of heart disease is increasing in Uganda, it can be averted through more exercise and a healthier diet.
“Our Prudential Medical Scheme provides insurance coverage for acute and chronic disease, and as a result we have come across several cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) affecting Ugandans. 1 out of 4 adults in Uganda suffers from high blood pressure which is a major cause of heart disease and other accompanying heart complications[1]’’ Arjun added
“We feel it is our responsibility help reverse this trend so that Ugandans can live longer, more active, and fulfilling lives. Together with the Ministry of Health, Uganda Heart Institute, NBS Television, Capital fm, Radio One and Akaboozi, we decided to help create public awareness about the causes of cardiovascular disease and the need for healthier lifestyle choices.” he added.
The heart camp will be on upto 04th August 2018 and it will include free heart screening among other services.
