SAUDI ARABIA—Bayer, a global leader in healthcare and nutrition, has joined forces with the Saudi Heart Association (SHA) to address the growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Saudi Arabia.
This collaboration aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to improve healthcare outcomes and enhance the quality of life for its citizens.
The partnership focuses on the early detection of individuals at risk of CVDs by identifying both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.
Modifiable factors include lifestyle elements like smoking, high blood pressure, poor diet, lack of exercise, and elevated cholesterol levels.
Non-modifiable factors, such as age, gender, family history, and genetic predisposition, will also be considered.
To achieve these goals, Bayer and SHA plan to strengthen educational initiatives for healthcare professionals across the Kingdom.
These initiatives will emphasize the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and provide hands-on training through workshops and lectures.
Healthcare providers will also gain exposure to advanced diagnostic tools that facilitate cost-effective and early detection of CVD.
Moreover, the collaboration seeks to promote evidence-based local guidelines for early risk management and prevention strategies.
It seeks to integrate clinical practices with global standards while also improving patient outcomes.
Cardiovascular diseases remain a significant health concern in Saudi Arabia, with rising risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia contributing to its prevalence.
In 2016, more than 200,000 Saudis were living with CVD, and this number is expected to have grown substantially.
Tackling these conditions is crucial for reducing their clinical and economic burden on the healthcare system.
Beyond medical costs, CVDs also result in reduced productivity, premature deaths, and years of disability.
Maged ElShazly, Managing Director of Bayer Saudi Arabia, emphasized that this partnership represents a key step toward improving heart health in the Kingdom.
He highlighted its alignment with Vision 2030, noting that the collaboration will support the government’s efforts to reduce CVD-related mortality and enhance the well-being of high-risk individuals.
As part of the partnership, Bayer will support SHA through two key initiatives: engaging key opinion leaders to promote early risk management among healthcare professionals and launching a public awareness campaign to educate the population about CVD risk factors, early detection, and prevention strategies.
Through these efforts, Bayer and SHA aim to create a sustainable impact, ensuring a healthier future for the Kingdom.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
