Dhaka: Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam Moni emphasized the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh’s significant impact on promoting heart disease awareness nationwide during a seminar commemorating World Hypertension Day. Moni praised the foundation for its unparalleled reach and effectiveness in educating the public on heart health.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the seminar was themed ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,’ underscoring the importance of preventing and managing high blood pressure, often referred to as a silent killer. Speaking as the chief guest, Moni highlighted cardiovascular disease as a leading cause of death globally, stressing the necessity of maintaining heart health through awareness and healthy lifestyle practices.
Moni reflected on the early days of the Heart Foundation, recalling its humble beginnings when medical services were provided on grass-covered grounds. He reiterated the importance of preventive healthcare, advocating for healthier eating habits and regular exercise to combat heart disease.
The Chief Whip voiced concerns over the excessive use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and hybrid food products, which pose significant risks to public health. He also drew attention to the alarming rise in severe kidney complications among children aged 10 to 15 years, linking it to harmful food adulteration practices. Moni criticized dishonest traders for producing low-quality, harmful food products, urging stricter controls to safeguard public health.
High blood pressure is identified as a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. World Hypertension Day, observed annually on 17 May, is an initiative by the World Hypertension League and the International Society of Hypertension to raise awareness about hypertension among the public and healthcare professionals. The National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh marked the occasion with several programs, with the seminar chaired by Prof Khandaker Abdul Awal (Rizvi) and a keynote presentation by Professor Sohel Reza Choudhury.