Iloilo to host PH’s 1st World Heart Day 2022

The celebration of the 1st World Heart Day 2022 in the Philippines, to be hosted by Iloilo province, will be highlighted by the illumination of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol’s façade on Thursday night, Sept. 29, symbolizing the urgent call for a massive action for the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases. PN FILE PHOTO
The celebration of the 1st World Heart Day 2022 in the Philippines, to be hosted by Iloilo province, will be highlighted by the illumination of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol’s façade on Thursday night, Sept. 29, symbolizing the urgent call for a massive action for the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases. PN FILE PHOTO

ILOILO – This province has been chosen by the World Health Organization (WHO) to host the very first World Heart Day 2022 in the Philippines tomorrow, Sept. 29.

With the slogan “Magasiga ang Aton Kasing-Kasing”, a program will be held at the Iloilo provincial capitol and graced by delegates from the WHO and Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD).

The highlight is the illumination of the provincial capitol’s façade, symbolizing the urgent call for a massive action for the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases.

The said lighting event will be led by WHO Western Pacific Region Representative Dr. Tran Thi Giang Huong, WHO Philippines officer-in-charge Dr. Graham Perry Harrison, Resolve to Save Lives Vice President Dr. Renu Garg, DOH-CHD NCD (Non-communicable diseases) Unit Head Dr. Aimee Marie Gayomali, DOH-CHD Region 6 regional director Dr. Adriano P. Suba-an, and Iloilo governor Arthur Defensor Jr.

Provincial Health Office head, Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, said Iloilo was chosen as pilot venue of the activity in recognition of the province’s successful implementation of the WHO’s Healthy Heart Project.

“It is history in the making, the first time that the World Heart Day will be celebrated in the country. Dignitaries from WHO Geneva and WHO Philippines are coming over to give credit to the province of Iloilo,” Quiñon said.

The Healthy Heart Project aims to reduce mortality caused by NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.

The Iloilo provincial government has successfully piloted the project in the first district since January 2021.

Quiñon said the first phase ended in 2019 but the province was able to continue with its implementation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to integrate the project in our advanced implementation of the Universal Health Care Law,” the IPHO head stated.

The Healthy Heart Project has resulted in an increased number of patients in the province who successfully managed their blood pressure (BP).

Of the 17,775 active patients enrolled until June 2022, 81.8 percent or 14,532 patients recorded a controlled BP.

Guimbal achieved 78.3 percent for patients with controlled BP, Igbaras – 66.7 percent, Miag-ao – 91.9 percent, Oton – 83.5 percent, San Joaquin – 70.7 percent, Tigbauan – 90 percent, and Tubungan – 91 percent.

Quiñon noted that Defensor has committed to replicating the project in the entire province.

ACTIVITIES

World Heart Day 2022 will start with a carousel of activities from 9 a.m. at the provincial capitol lobby; capitol employees and clients can avail themselves of free health services. Health clinics will be made available to provide alcohol and smoking cessation counseling, NCD risk screening, diet and nutrition counseling, and mental health screening.

Free COVID-19 primary and booster shots will be available to both adults and the pediatric population as part of the PinasLakas Campaign.

There will also be patient education sessions on the prevention and management of hypertension and its complications; common myths and facts on hypertension and heart diseases; stress management and heart diseases.

In connection with the event, the provincial government will be having its own Employees’ Health and Wellness Day.

There will be a zumba at 7:30 a.m. Everyone is free to join.

Free family planning and birth control services will be offered, such as Implanon insertion, Depot-Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) or injectable administration, and distribution of pills and condoms.

Other health services to be offered include: HIV testing and screening at the DOH Mobile Diagnostic Clinic (kNOw Tell), mental health counseling, nutrition counseling, blood chem extraction good for 20 pax at the Capitol Clinic subject to reservation, blood typing at the Philippine Red Cross Booth; and actual demonstration of hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) will also be installing its booth to cater to queries.

In the afternoon, there will be a launching of the Western Visayas NCD Clubs at the National Museum of the Philippines-Western Visayas at 2 p.m. to be attended by local chief executives from the first district.

The World Heart Day 2022 will be celebrated with the hashtags #PusoParaSaPuso and #UseHeart. (With a report from LHC/Capitol news)/PN

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