AS THE leading cause of death in Western Visayas according to the Department of Health, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) demand an urgent, robust response, not just in medical treatment but in accessibility and comprehensive healthcare delivery.
In Iloilo Province, the recent expansion of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Healthy Hearts Programme gives hope. Now extending to an additional 12 towns, the initiative’s reach has expanded to 39 local government units (LGUs), with an ambitious plan to encompass all 43 LGUs by next year. This is a necessary escalation in the fight against a health crisis that undercuts the province’s vitality.
The stakes of inaction are alarmingly high. Without proactive, inclusive healthcare measures, the toll of cardiovascular diseases will likely surge, driven by an aging population, lifestyle shifts, and genetic predispositions. The ramifications extend beyond the immediate health impacts — rising medical costs, increased burden on healthcare facilities, and significant economic and social disruption.
The Healthy Hearts Programme, bolstered by the support of WHO, the Department of Health, and local stakeholders, aims to address these challenges head-on. By promoting healthy lifestyles, implementing evidence-based treatment protocols, and ensuring access to essential medicines, the program sets a comprehensive framework for combating CVDs. However, the key to its success lies in its reach and accessibility.
Accessibility is the cornerstone of effective public health response. For Iloilo’s diverse population, from bustling city dwellers in Iloilo City to the more remote areas like San Dionisio and Estancia, healthcare services must be within reach, both geographically and economically. This means not only setting up facilities but also ensuring they are equipped with the necessary resources and staffed by trained professionals committed to community health.
The Iloilo provincial government’s developmental mantra, “MoRProGRes Iloilo,” which stands for a Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo, encapsulates the broader goals of health initiatives seamlessly. It’s about integrating health into the fabric of regional development, making cardiovascular health a priority that supports the province’s overall resilience and growth.
As Iloilo strides forward, the health of its citizens, particularly heart health, must not lag. Strategic foresight is required to ensure that every Ilonggo has access to the heart health care they deserve.
Let’s make sure that the heart of Iloilo beats strong — not just in spirit, but in health.
