Republic of Moldova focuses on hypertension, awards public health leaders
WHO
A half-day round table discussion on prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) was one of the many events organized in the Republic of Moldova to observe World Health Day.
The round table held on 9 April focused on high blood pressure and hypertension as one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The theme for World Health Day in 2013 is high blood pressure, also known as raised blood pressure or hypertension. It increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure and if left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can also cause blindness, irregular heartbeat and heart failure.
Primary health care specialists, cardiologists and public health specialists attended the round table. They presented and discussed the burden of hypertension, its risk factors and appropriate treatment strategies that are recommended and applied in the Republic of Moldova. Physicians shared their best practices and results, and reviewed and discussed the national policies and strategies directed to reduce NCD risk factors and burden of hypertension.
Health leaders awarded
WHO also organized the second edition of Health Gala in partnership with the Ministry of Health, National Health Insurance Company, and ProSanatate Club. The Moldovan Prime Minister, the Minister of Health and the WHO Representative to Moldova addressed about 200 health sector leaders, development partners and high level officials. Special awards for the best health professionals – including health promotion teams, family doctors, emergency care teams, cardiologists, journalists, and teachers – were distributed based on public voting and recommendations of the awards committee.
Other events organized on the occasion included:
- free blood pressure measurement camps in public places in districts and municipality of Chisinau;
- a flash-mob organized in Chisinau by the students from Nicolae Testemitanu State Medical and Pharmaceutical University;
- national week dedicated to hypertension with screening and information dissemination activities;
- nationwide distribution of World Health Day posters to medical institutions at primary and secondary care level and public health centres; and
- distribution of information material targeted at general public to make it available in health care and public health settings.
The events were jointly organized by the Ministry of Health, National Health Insurance Company, and other public and private organizations in coordination with the WHO Country Office.
Two big communication campaigns will be implemented during 2013 with a focus on tobacco and alcohol consumption – the most significant risk factors affecting health and causing premature death.
