ANTIQUE – To promote cardiovascular health and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases, the provincial government partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH) for the Healthy Hearts Program, or “Project Kasing Kasing”.
Dr. Rui Paulo de Jesus, Country Representative of WHO Philippines, led the launching ceremony together with DOH-6 regional director Dr. Adriano Suba-an and Gov. Rhodora Cadiao on Tuesday, June 2, at the Old Provincial Capitol in San Jose de Buenavista.
Nine towns will be the initial recipients of the Healthy Hearts Program: Pandan, Barbaza, Sibalom, Culasi, Bugasong, Hamtic, Tibiao, Patnongon, and Tobias Fornier.
The Healthy Hearts Program of the WHO aims to reduce morbidity and premature mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases through hypertension control.
According to the Antique Field Health Service Information System Report of 2022, cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, are the fourth leading cause of death and the third leading cause of morbidity in the province.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing this health issue, the Healthy Hearts Program seeks to implement the WHO and DOH’s Healthy Hearts Technical Package, focusing on improving hypertension detection and control at the primary healthcare level, promoting healthy diets through government programs and policies, and implementing a communications campaign.
During the program’s launch, mayors and municipal health officers from beneficiary municipalities demonstrated their commitment to the initiative. Their presence emphasized the collective effort required to combat cardiovascular diseases and improve public health.
Cadiao, during her speech, highlighted the commitment of the provincial government and the Antique Provincial Health Office to promoting the health sector, including allocating over P55 million for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.
This funding has facilitated the procurement of maintenance medications for hypertension and diabetes, as well as dental and laboratory supplies.
Cadiao warmly welcomed the implementation of the Healthy Hearts Program by the WHO, emphasizing the province’s dedication to promoting cardiovascular health.
Her statement demonstrated the government’s determination to tackle non-communicable diseases and improve the overall well-being of the Antiqueños. (With a report from the Province of Antique)/PN
