We have completed our 2-day heart outreach screening and awareness camp at Igogwe Hospital in Mbeya, where we screened over 300 patients.
This activity is part of our broader mission to enhance early diagnosis and increase awareness of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) throughout Tanzania.
Our efforts align with the message of the Global Heart Hub Heart Failure Awareness campaign, which reminds us that “the story of heart failure goes far beyond the heart.”
Heart failure is not an isolated condition; it is often accompanied by other health issues. It is deeply connected to other chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, high blood pressure and even mental health challenges.
These interconnected conditions are common in Tanzania, where hypertension affects approximately 26% of the population, obesity and overweight combined impact more than 60%, and diabetes affects nearly 1 in 10 people.
Despite this, studies show that only about 35% of Tanzanians have sufficient knowledge of risk factors associated with heart disease.
This context makes our outreach work even more critical. By conducting community screenings and educational sessions, we help people understand not only the signs of heart disease but also how their lifestyle, mental health and other conditions influence their heart health.
In line with the Global Heart Hub’s call to “understand the whole story and treat the person,” our approach focuses on the individual as a whole, not just their heart symptoms.
Early diagnosis, particularly for complex cases like heart failure, can make a life-changing difference.
By continuing to bring heart health services closer to the community, we strive to reduce the burden of heart disease and promote healthier lives across Tanzania.
