call to action:

RURAL HEALTH

#KnowYourNumbers

Seeking Solutions: Addressing the Tough Realities of Underserved Rural Communities

 Underserved communities are often characterized by limited access to resources, opportunities, and face systemic barriers. These communities also struggle to access healthcare, leading to disparities in health outcomes. One potential factor contributing to this situation is the limited availability of financial or physical resources needed to access adequate healthcare services. Another reality is that cultural traditions may discourage seeking modern-day medical care. Regrettably, the issue is further compounded by the reluctance of healthcare professionals to provide services in rural areas. When considering all aspects of the situation, it is unfortunate to note that limited access to information and education also plays a significant role in the lack of understanding of the importance of preventive care. #KnowYourNumbers

aed

Empowering Self-Monitoring for Enhanced Healthcare Access and Optimal Health Outcomes

One of the key barriers to healthcare access is the lack of proper self-monitoring among individuals. Self-monitoring refers to the practice of regularly tracking and assessing one’s health indicators, such as blood pressure, blood sugar levels, weight, or symptoms. This heightened awareness allows individuals to seek timely medical intervention or make necessary lifestyle adjustments before a condition worsens.

By encouraging individuals to be proactive in monitoring their health, the burden on healthcare systems can be reduced, and unnecessary emergency visits can be prevented.#KnowYourNumbers

For more information, please contact us at: Info@HeartFirstAidAfrica.org

FACTS: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)

  • CVDs are the number 1 cause of death globally, accounting for 31% of all global deaths1.(Heart.org)
  • CVDs are the largest contributor to the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) burden in Africa, accounting for 38.3% of NCD deaths and 22.9 million disability-adjusted life years  (frontiersin.org)
  • Africa has one of the highest risks of dying from NCDs worldwide, and has registered close to a 50% increase in the CVDs burden within the last three decades (heart.org)
  • CVDs are the leading cause of death among non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Africa, accounting for 38.3% of NCD deaths and 22.9 million disability-adjusted life years (openaccessgovernment.org)
  • CVDs affect mostly young and productive people in Africa, resulting in loss of income, increased poverty, and reduced quality of life(openaccessgovernment.org)

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%.
  • Diabetes is a serious, chronic and costly disease that affects millions of people in Africa and is estimated to rise to 23.9 million cases by 20301.(files.aho.afro.who.int)
  • The main types of diabetes in Africa are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes2. Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction that stops the body from making insulin. Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy and affects both the mother and the baby. (files.aho.afro.who.int)

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)

A life full of zest and energy can be led by prioritizing proper health assessment as an integral part of one's daily routine.

Heart First Aid Africa believes that self-monitoring in health promotion and disease prevention is crucial. This fact cannot be overstated.

 In today’s world, where the prevalence of chronic diseases is on the rise, a proactive, rather than a reactive approach to health care should be encouraged. Potential health issues can be caught early, and appropriate steps can be taken to prevent them from worsening by being vigilant and keeping a close eye on health status. This not only reduces the burden on the healthcare system but also minimizes the financial and personal costs associated with treating chronic illnesses. #KnowYourNumbers

EventDate
World AIDS DayDecember 1
International Day of Persons with DisabilityDecember 3

https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/home/news/health-awareness-months/

<---- Previous Page
Next Page --->