With an aim to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke which causes 18.6 million deaths around the globe, World Heart Day is celebrated on September 29 every year.
Created by the World Heart Federation, its attention is on encouraging actions that individuals can take to prevent and control Cardiovascular disease (CVD).
At least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity.
Every year more than 90 countries take part in this international observance. As a result, World Heart Day has proven to be an effective means for disseminating information about CVD. The high level of involvement from governments and organizations is most important for developing countries, which are heavily affected by these diseases.
It is a common misconception that people living in developed countries who are more reliant on technology and lead sedentary lifestyles are more susceptible to it. But more than 80% of the deaths occur in middle-income and low-income countries.
The high health cost and failure to treat the diseases timeously result in loss of productivity and long absences from work which also affects the economic systems of countries due to cardiovascular diseases.
As part of this initiative several activities are organized involving individuals, families, communities, and the government, to encourage people to take charge of their heart health and that of others .
Also Read:- UN Secretary-General urges for building sustainable cities ahead of World Habitat Day celebrations
In its fight against CVD, World Heart Federation unites people from all countries and backgrounds to encourage heart-healthy living across the world.
The world leaders committed in May 2012 to reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025. Accountable for nearly half of all NCD deaths cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the world’s number one killer.
This annual event was first celebrated on September 24, 2000, and, until 2011, World Heart Day was observed on the last Sunday in September.
Follow and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn
