Abstract
SummaryCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the frontrunner in the disease spectrum of sub-Saharan Africa, with stroke and ischaemic heart disease ranked seventh and 14th as leading causes of death, respectively, on this sub-continent. Unfortunately, this region is also grappling with many communicable, maternal, neonatal and nutritional disorders. Limited resources and the high cost of CVD treatment necessitate that primary prevention should have a high priority for CVD control in sub- Saharan Africa. One major challenge of such an approach is how to equip primary care to respond promptly and effectively to this burden. We present a practical approach on how primary care in sub-Saharan Africa could effectively address the prevention, treatment and control of CVD on the subcontinent. For effective prevention, control and treatment of CVD in sub-Saharan Africa, there should be strategic plans to equip primary care clinics with well-trained allied healthcare workers who are supervised by physicians.
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the frontrunner in the disease spectrum of sub-Saharan Africa, with stroke and ischaemic heart disease ranked seventh and 14th as leading causes of death, respectively, on this sub-continent
We present a practical approach on how primary care in sub-Saharan Africa could effectively address the prevention, treatment and control of CVD on the subcontinent
Control and treatment of CVD in sub-Saharan Africa, there should be strategic plans to equip primary care clinics with well-trained allied healthcare workers who are supervised by physicians
Summary
In sub-Saharan Africa, the levels of some risk factors are still relatively low compared to levels in developed nations. The epidemiological survey further attributed the high burden of CVD in Seychelles to dramatic lifestyle changes such as larger consumption of saturated fatty foods, increased intake of salt and calories, and increased prevalence of smoking and sedentary lifestyles.[18] The dramatic changes in lifestyle were attributed to accelerated socio-economic development and improved standards of living, with the gross national product (GNP) per capita multiplying by 10 (from 600 US$ to 6 000 US$) within 20 years This programme was started by the Seychelles Ministry of Health-based Unit for the Prevention and Control of Cardiovascular Disease (UPCCD), it progressively involved other sectors such as communities, local parastatals, private companies, international agencies such as the WHO, and academia.
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