Pharma chamber urges proactive approach to deal with CVD

Concerned about the rising global prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industries (SLCPI) has urged proactive stakeholder engagement to increase awareness on preventative care for CVD.

CVD is responsible for one-third of deaths worldwide and a staggering 40 per cent of deaths in Sri Lanka, the chamber said in a media release.

A broad disease category that encompasses coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and peripheral vascular disease, current World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates project CVD prevalence and mortality rates to double to 80 per cent by 2020, with developing nations - particularly in the South Asian region - having to face the brunt of this rising epidemic.

In the statement, SLCPI Chairman Shyam Sathasivam called for urgent proactive measures to be implemented with a view to increasing awareness of CVD risk factors and treatment, together with a concerted, systematic approach to combating the disease.

"The breadth of underlying factors that contribute to CVD points to the need for decisive, long- term, multi- sectoral initiatives to combat this rising epidemic. A cornerstone of such a strategy must necessarily include the promotion of healthy diet and lifestyle choices. As a nation, we must work to help our citizens to understand the clear relationship of CVD and an unhealthy diet, tobacco use and a sedentary lifestyle. Similarly, we must place an equal emphasis on active collaboration and partnership between the public and private sectors in order to refine our healthcare delivery mechanisms in a manner that ultimately provides improved outcomes for patients, and prevents the spread of this deadly non- communicable disease."

According to him, the investment of capital, time and resources towards such proactive measures would be clearly felt in the economic performance of the nation given the complex interrelationship between economic development and the cost of disease on the productive capacity of a workforce, and the economy at large.

He said for individuals already at high risk or with existing disease, a proper proactive approach would combine education, support, and incentives to both address behavioural risk factors and improve adherence to clinical interventions. Participation in this approach extends beyond clinical providers and public health approaches including public media outlets, community leaders, and related sectors, especially food and agriculture policy, transportation and urban planning, and private- sector entities such as the pharmaceutical industry. All these players are potential partners both in assessing needs and capacity and in developing and implementing solutions, he added.