The Resolve to Save Lives, an organization based in New York City, lauded the Iloilo provincial government for its effective implementation of the Healthy Hearts Program which led to the reduction of premature deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases through hypertension control.
The RTSL Mission Team led by Senior Vice President Dr. Renu Gard evaluated the Healthy Hearts Program in the province of Iloilo, particularly in the municipalities of San Joaquin and Tigbauan in the first district, on July 10, 2024.
A dialogue followed in the afternoon at the Governor’s Boardroom attended by Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias, Provincial Health Officer I Dr. Rodney Labis, World Health Organization Philippines Management of NCDs Technical Officer Rauell Rhaj Santos, WHO Philippines Program Management and Administrative Officer Ying Chen, Dr. Ma. Phoebe Leah Cainap from the Department of Health, and other representatives from the DOH and the PHO.
Dr. Gard said she was “impressed” with the leadership of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and other stakeholders in reducing the risk of Ilonggos against non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“The success of this program would not have happened without the political and administrative commitment and leadership from the highest office of the province. Thank you very much for your leadership,” she said.
She added that she has visited several health facilities in Iloilo and was impressed with the sense of commitment of the leaders and the health workers.
“It is truly impressive. I am very impressed and inspired by the leadership from the governor, the Department of Health, the Provincial Health Office, and the mayors – their optimism, enthusiasm, sense of pride, and commitment. Even from the Barangay Health Workers, their sense of service to the community is strong,” she said.
RTSL has funded the World Health Organization’s Health Hearts Program implementation in the province of Iloilo.
The program was piloted in the first district and has now expanded to the entire province.
Phase 1 commenced in 2018 and Phase II which covered the pilot implementation was in 2021.
A total of 22,395 patients were enrolled in the program, of which 86.6% (17,182 patients) recorded a controlled blood pressure. (Capitol News)
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