The participants during the launching ceremony of BN on The Move 2025, that aims to tackle sedentary lifestyles and promote well-being through preventive measures. - MOH via BB/ANN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continue to be a major public health challenge in Brunei Darussalam with 572 deaths reported due to heart-related conditions in 2024 alone, of which 313 were premature deaths. This was a five per cent increase from the previous year.
Meanwhile, CVD, including heart disease and stroke, remain the leading cause of deaths worldwide, with statistics from the World Heart Federation revealing that over 20 million lives are lost each year to CVD, many of them prematurely before the age of 70.
Minister of Health Datuk Seri Setia Dr Mohd Isham Jaafar warned that if this trend continues, it could reduce national life expectancy, burden families financially, strain social services and undermine workplace productivity and economic growth.
This year’s World Heart Day theme ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’ serves as a reminder for the public to remain vigilant about heart health, not only in times of pain or discomfort but through consistent healthy lifestyle choices, positive behaviours and long-term wellness practices.
In commemorating the occasion, Mohd Isham emphasised three core areas of action.
This include early detection with regular health check-ups to identify risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes; efforts made in prevention measures by adopting a balanced diet, reducing the intake of salty and fatty food, exercising regularly, getting quality rest, managing stress and avoiding tobacco smoke; as well as raising self-awareness, by understanding signs of a healthy heart and recognising symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness and seeking prompt medical care when necessary.
The minister also reaffirmed that the Ministry of Health remains committed to combatting CVD through several initiatives, such as implementing clear targets under the Brunei Darussalam Multisectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (BruMAP-NCD) 2021-2025, expanding access to comprehensive cardiology services across all four districts, including at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital and Gleneagles JPMC, as well as enhancing emergency response pathways for cardiac cases, including ambulance systems and specialist referral networks.
Other initiatives also include the establishment of a One-Stop Warfarin Clinic with Point-of-Care INR testing, allowing patients to get results, consultations and medication in one visit, serving to improve treatment compliance and overall well-being, as well as developing accurate monitoring systems and cardiovascular health databases.
The minister also leveraged the BruHealth app to promote heart health, such as the National Health Screening Programme with a built-in risk assessment feature, the BN on The Move Championship, which now includes health-tracking components such as hydration, nutrition and sleep alongside physical activity goals, and the Health Index, which enables early risk detection and provides smoking cessation support.
The minister urged all individuals, families, communities, government and non-government bodies and private organisations to join forces in prevention efforts.
“Let us make World Heart Day 2025 a turning point in renewing our commitment to heart health,” Mohd Isham said.
“By adopting healthy lifestyles, undergoing regular health screenings and supporting those at risk, we can build a culture of prevention and ensure every heartbeat leads to a healthier, more fulfilling life.” - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
