UGANDA CVH PROGRAM

THE UGANDA HEART FOUNDATION CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH (CVH)

PROMOTION AND EDUCATION PROGRAM

AIM

• Primary prevention through population based approach to the control of CVD disease is cost effective in resource poor communities

Several activities/projects

• So Far, Two Projects Are Under Way:

1. Physical Activity (PA) Promotion In Ugandan Secondary Schools Through Cardiovascular Health Promotion And Education

2. Dietary Salt Reduction In The Workplace Through Health Promotion And Education

PA Promotion in Ugandan SS through CVH Promotion and Education

Objectives:• To assess awareness about cardiovascular

disease (CVD) and its risk factors amongst secondary school children in Ugandan schools.

• To determine the prevalence of CVD risk factors amongst secondary school children in Ugandan schools.

• To implement a physical activity intervention program in the Uganda secondary schools.

Dietary Salt Reduction Among The Bank of Uganda Employees Through

Health Promotion And Education

Objectives:• To assess awareness about

cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors amongst employees of the Bank of Uganda (BoU).

• To determine the prevalence of CVD risk factors amongst employees in the BoU.

• To implement a dietary salt reduction intervention program in the BoU.

Why Program Started

• Increasing burden of CVD

• High cost of treating established CVD

• Effect of CVD morbidity and mortality on the economy

Steps taken to implement

• Training of CVH educators and promoters.– Achieved through the IUHPE/CDC annual

seminars. 2 teams of 6 members trained so far, with each team executing a project

• Secured clearance form appropriate authorities.

• Developed training and data collecting instruments

• Purchased materials.

Source of Funding

• Funds for training provided by the IUHPE in corroboration with the US CDC.

• IUHPE/CDC provided seed funds to kick-start the project.

• We are to source for funds from other venues to ensure sustainability.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Yet to be done

Key Challenges

• Sourcing for funds

• Sourcing for committed staff• Bureaucracy

Lessons Learnt

• CVD is not a priority of my government – emphasis is on infectious/communicable diseases

• CVD and NCDs in general are not part of the MDGs– Very difficult to secure support from

governemt– Very difficult to attract volunteers.