26 February 2019

Under the theme: “So your heart beats with life”

Beirut, Lebanon - February 26, 2019– Under the auspices of H.E. Dr. Jamil Jabak, the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with the National Committee for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, and Yaduna Foundation - Women Heart Health Center, launched the annual National Campaign for the Early Detection of Cardiovascular Diseases. Announced during a press conference under the theme “So your heart beats with life”, the campaign will run between February 26 and May 31, 2019, targeting all Lebanese over the age of 45 to encourage them to visit the Primary Health Care Centers for medical checkups offered for free during this period. 

Representing the Minister of Public Health Dr. Jamil Jabak, Dr. Randa Hamadeh, the chief of the Primary Health Care department said: "The Ministry of Public Health is pleased to launch today the National Campaign for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in cooperation with Yaduna Foundation - Women Heart Health Center and with a team of specialists whom we are pleased to have their support in this significant initiative. Heart and cardiovascular diseases are the number 1 cause of death in Lebanon, representing 47%, and 16% of the Lebanese population suffer from heart diseases. We believe that our campaign complements the huge efforts done so far at this front and is in line with Yaduna’s approach to disease prevention. We hope this integration between all sectors will achieve a healthier society”.

The National Campaign for the Early Detection of Cardiovascular Diseases targets all Lebanese aged 45 years and above. All Lebanese are encouraged to visit the Primary Health Care Centers to receive the needed medical screenings and tests to detect any risks for heart and cardiovascular diseases for free. Under this umbrella, Yaduna Foundation will play a vital role in offering the Lebanese women who have exceeded the overall risk of cardiovascular diseases (over 10%) a complete screening and tests free of charge to help diagnose their medical issues. In addition, a team of physicians will carry out educational awareness campaigns in Primary Health Care Centers across Lebanon.

“Since its inception, Yaduna took the most challenging approach which is convincing Lebanese women to embrace a preventative approach to cardiovascular diseases. So far, thanks to our regular awareness initiatives, over 6,000 women benefited from early detection tests and screenings offered by Yaduna,” said Mrs Wafaa Sleiman, President of Yaduna. “This is the third national campaign for the National Committee for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases – the committee which Yaduna was behind its establishment in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health in 2015”. 

For further information, please call the hotline number of the Ministry of Public Health: 1412