Awareness of cardiovascular diseases, which rank as the leading cause of death worldwide, will play a pivotal role in the World Heart Day celebrations taking place in Navua at the end of this month.
The World Heart Federation reports that cardiovascular diseases are the primary global killer, encompassing conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failures, resulting in over 20.5 million fatalities each year.
While the event is traditionally recognized on September 29, Fiji will celebrate on September 30.
This year’s activities will be hosted at the Vashist Muni Hall in Navua, involving a collaboration among Heart Heroes Fiji, Cure Kids Fiji, and the local health team from the Ministry of Health.
Marika Yalimaiwai, a representative from Heart Heroes Fiji, announced that this year marks the first time the Navua medical team will lead the celebrations.
The festivities will kick off with a heart health procession, featuring the Navy brass band, beginning at 8 am and moving from the old Navua Hospital to Vashist Muni Primary School.
Yalimaiwai noted that the theme for this year’s event is “Use Heart for Action,” focusing on the importance of promoting heart health advocacy.
The celebrations will engage students from the Serua-Namosi community along with members of the public.