NGO stresses need to do more to tackle heart disease – Maldives’ biggest killer

Prominent heart health advocacy group Tiny Hearts of Maldives on Monday urged authorities to do more to tackle cardiovascular disease (CVD), which remains the biggest killer in the Maldives, accounting for 38 percent of premature deaths.

Tiny Hearts made the appeal in a statement on Monday, on occasion of World Heart Day, which the NGO said serves as a reminder that stronger health systems, better prevention, and healthier lifestyles can save millions of lives.

In its statement, the NGO commended the decision by the Maldivian government to introduce a generational ban on smoking – one of the biggest threats to heart health.

But it also stressed the need to do more to save lives and strengthen CVD management in the Maldives, where lack of equitable access to medical care services remains a key challenge for heart patients, especially those living in outer lying islands.

The NGO suggested creating a national CDV registry and making medical care more accessible and affordable.

“We call for the establishment of a National CDV Registry to track and respond to heart health trends, and for heart health checkups and treatments to be made affordable, accessible, and available to all citizens, especially those unable to travel to Male’ or regional hospitals,” said the NGO.

Tiny Hearts added that each local council and health center should also be empowered to keep reliable records of cardiovascular cases so that patients can be better monitored and supported.

The NGO also urged the government to develop a National Cardiovascular Action Plan, in line with the global commitments highlighted at the United Nations (UN) High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) last week in New York, where the World Heart Federation called for urgent collective action.

Tiny Hearts said the Maldives must also conduct a national study on congenital heart disease (CHD), expand training for pediatric specialists, and invest in stronger emergency systems to protect children with CHDs.

It also called on Maldives to adopt and enforce the World Health Organization (WHO) 2021 Air Quality Guidelines, which the NGO said is critical to reducing NCDs linked to pollution, securing a healthier environment for present and future generations.

Tiny Hearts also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring no Maldivian is left behind due to geography, cost, a specific vulnerability or lack of care.

“We remind every citizen: know your heart numbers, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, check them regularly, and take simple steps towards a healthier lifestyle,” said the NGO. “A healthier heart is the foundation of a stronger, more resilient Maldives.”