The UAE has taken a step towards prioritizing public health with a nationwide initiative to combat hypertension. In an effort to save lives, the UAE will offer free blood pressure screenings to an 50,000 individuals. Moreover, the initiative aims to detect the condition early and empower people to take charge of their health.
The UAE has joined forces with the International Society of Hypertension to launch the National Campaign for Blood Pressure Awareness. Over the next two months, venues across the country, supported by public and private health bodies, universities, Life Pharmacy, the Emirates Cardiac Society, and other organizations, will provide health checks. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the importance of regular blood pressure checks, adopting healthy lifestyles, and understanding hypertension.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious health concern. It can lead to heart, brain, and kidney diseases, and contributes to premature deaths worldwide. Shockingly, over one billion people globally have the condition. The UAE aims to tackle this silent killer head-on.
Dr. Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, has set an ambitious goal of reducing high blood pressure levels by 30% by 2030. The key lies in prioritizing prevention over treatment and implementing effective health programs. This builds upon the success of previous campaigns, which secured the UAE’s position as a leader in hypertension management among 89 countries.
Moreover, many people live with undiagnosed hypertension, unaware of the risks they face due to infrequent blood pressure checks. Furthermore, individuals with conditions like obesity and diabetes, prevalent in the Emirates, are particularly at risk. By offering free screenings, the UAE aims to identify these individuals and provide necessary interventions to safeguard their health.
