The current global public health emergencies have highlighted the urgency and importance of HeartFirstAid Africa's mission and goals, necessitating a greater need for health education, health promotion, and disease prevention measures in health-deprived communities.
With full commitment to our mission, we have dedicated both our time and resources to ensure the success of our health projects without seeking outside donations or contributions. As we look to the future and expansion of our services, we invite you to join us on our mission to improve public health conditions in the African communities we serve. It is our belief that a collective commitment to the well-being of these communities will ensure a lasting change. We would be honored to have your support toward our health campaigns and mission.
1. #KnowYourNumbers 2. #HeartWomenHeartFamilies.
Any donations made are tax-deductible as HeartFirstAid Africa is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Our Specialty
Seeking Solutions: Addressing the Tough Realities of Underserved Rural Communities
Underserved communities often face the challenge of difficult-to-access healthcare due to a variety of barriers that contribute to its inaccessibility. Unfortunately, this contributes to the poor health of the affected individuals left without aid. Often, individuals and families in these communities may not have the fiscal or physical resources to receive proper healthcare. Some cultural traditions discourage the solicitation of current-day medical care. In addition, many communities struggle with getting the hands-on healthcare they need because of a lack of resources or the refusal of clinicians to travel to more rural locations. There are individuals in these underserved communities who do not understand the importance of preventive care due to limited access to information and education. Lack of access to quality healthcare is a fundamental concern for many communities and individuals. We can start changing this reality today.
#KnowYourNumbers
FACTS: Heart Disease
Around 35% of all deaths in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are attributable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
- The three leading causes of CVD death in Sub-Saharan Africa are ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, and hypertensive heart disease.
- 30% of persons 18 years old in SSA have hypertension (40% in urban groups and 20% in rural communities).
Source: National Center for Biotechnology Informatin (nih.gov)
FACTS: Asthma
300 million individuals worldwide are currently affected by asthma.
According to estimates made by health professionals, this figure might rise by an extra 100 million people by 2025.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that asthma causes approximately 250 000 fatalities annually, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. As with many other chronic diseases in Africa, rapid urbanization has been linked to the rise of asthma and other allergic diseases.
- By 2015, the world’s urban population is predicted to rise from 45% to 59%, with Africa accounting for more than half of this growth.
The International Study of Asthma and Allergies (ISAAC) found that the prevalence of asthma among young people in Africa was rising and that asthma’s effects on quality of life contributed the most to the disease burden.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
FACTS: Stroke
- Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally, and 87 percent of stroke-related fatalities occur in developing countries.
- The frequency and incidence of stroke in sub-Saharan Africa remain unclear due to bias in the majority of research.
- Compared to industrialized nations, sub-Saharan nations have a higher death rate, a younger average age of onset, and hypertension as the primary risk factor for stroke.
- In developing nations, the distribution of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes appears to be the same as in developed nations.
- Without effective public health measures, sub-Saharan Africa will certainly see an epidemic of non-communicable illnesses in the next few years, with stroke becoming the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
Source: [Stroke in sub-Saharan Africa]-Abstract-Europe PMC
FACTS: Diabetes
- A total of 1.5 million fatalities were directly related to diabetes in 2019, and 48% of these deaths occurred in those under the age of 70.
- Diabetes contributed to an additional 460 000 renal disease deaths.
- High blood glucose is responsible for 20% of cardiovascular fatalities.
- From 2000 to 2019, the age-standardized death rate due to diabetes increased by 3%. In lower-middle income nations, diabetes-related mortality increased by 13%.
Source: (who.int)
Diabetes affects 3 in 4 adults in low- and middle-income nations…It is estimated that 1 in 2 (240 million) individuals with diabetes go undiagnosed.
Source: (idf.org)