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6th African Heart Summit

Cardiovascular disease in Africa set rise in 2010

Posted in NGO and IGO action on 18th January, 2010 | no responses

The 6th African Heart Summit took place in January to create awareness of cardiovascular disease in Ghana. The importance of heightening awareness of non-communicable disease in Africa is vital. Speaking at the summit was The Chief Director of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Ofosu Appeah. He made reference to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report that stated: ‘cardiovascular disease has higher mortality in developing countries than in developed ones, and affects younger people and women disproportionately’. Mr Appeah said social disintegration and inequality, compounded by the deteriorating economy in many African countries hindered the response to non-communicable diseases associated with the heart.

The incidence of cardiovascular disease in sub-Saharan Africa could rise for both men and women from 6.5 and 6.9 million to 8.1 and 7.9 million respectively from 2000 to 2010 a WHO report indicated. Topics discussed at the summit included: prevention of cardiovascular disease, acquired aortic and mitral valve surgery, congenital heart disease, grown-up congenital heart disease (GUCH) and surgical management.

Source: Graphic Ghana, 18 January 2010.

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