Bayer, Al-Dawaa launch “Protect Your Heart” Campaign in Saudi Arabia

SAUDI ARABIA—Bayer, a global leader in life sciences focused on healthcare and nutrition, has teamed up with Al-Dawaa Medical Services, one of Saudi Arabia’s largest pharmacy chains, to launch a national awareness campaign called “Protect Your Heart.”

This initiative aims to increase awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and promote early detection in at-risk individuals.

The campaign is supported by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health and is managed in collaboration with the Athar Volunteering Society, which will handle on-the-ground logistics and volunteer initiatives.

The partnership, which was officially unveiled in a ceremony attended by notable dignitaries including His Royal Highness Prince Abdulellah bin Abdulrahman bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, aims to tackle the growing threat of cardiovascular disease in Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Asiri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Population Health, and Dr. Reema Al-Ghanimi, Undersecretary for Human Resources at the Ministry of Health, were also present at the event.

 This partnership between Bayer and Al-Dawaa Medical Services focuses on combating the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in Saudi Arabia, where over 30% of adults are at risk of heart-related issues.

Factors such as smoking, unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles contribute to this high risk.

With an anticipated increase of 480,000 new CVD cases by 2035, the need for prevention and early detection is more urgent than ever.

The “Protect Your Heart” campaign aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to improve healthcare outcomes, reduce the economic burden of diseases like CVD, and increase life expectancy.

In support of this vision, the initiative will educate Al-Dawaa Medical Services pharmacists about advanced tools and digital applications for enhancing early detection of heart disease.

This will ultimately improve patient care and ease the pressure on the healthcare system.

As part of the campaign, 20 designated checkpoints, equipped with cardio assessment tools, will be set up in Al-Dawaa Medical Services branches.

These points of check will feature the “HUMA” digital self-assessment tool, which helps identify individuals at high risk for CVD.

Trained staff will also be on hand to assist with risk factor detection.

In addition, a media campaign will raise public awareness of CVD risk factors and stress the importance of early detection and heart disease management.

Mohamed Galal, VP and Head of Middle East, Bayer Consumer Health, emphasized that Bayer is honoured to collaborate with Al-Dawaa Medical Services, highlighting their shared goal of advancing heart health awareness and improving early detection.

Maged El Shazly, Managing Director of Bayer Saudi Arabia, echoed this sentiment, stating that the initiative aligns perfectly with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives of improving health outcomes for a vibrant society.

Fahad Alfarraj, Deputy CEO of Al-Dawaa Medical Services, added that this partnership represents their commitment to offering innovative healthcare solutions and empowering the public to take control of their heart health.

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