SUHAR: The 'Wateen' campaign promoting heart disease prevention was launched in the Wilayat of Suhar, Al Batinah North Governorate, under the slogan 'Prevention First.'
The initiative was organised as part of the Suhar Festival activities, with participation from students of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at the National University of Science and Technology, in cooperation with the Oman Heart Association.
The campaign offers an integrated preventive package that combines field blood pressure screenings with training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills. It aims to enhance community readiness in dealing with major cardiovascular emergencies, including stroke, heart failure and coronary artery disease.
Dr Afrah bint Hamoud al Jabri, member of the Oman Heart Association and a certified trainer from the American Heart Association, emphasised that CPR empowerment is a key preventive pillar. She said it helps break the barrier of fear among individuals and equips them with the confidence and readiness to act during the critical 'golden minutes' following sudden cardiac arrest.
She explained that prompt and systematic initial intervention not only saves lives but also protects vital organs from permanent damage. She added that adherence to regular medical check-ups and BP monitoring acts as a safety valve for the early detection of conditions leading to heart failure and coronary artery disease.
Speaking on the campaign’s role in reshaping community behaviour, Dr Samah bint Abdullah al Araimi, member of the Oman Heart Association and a certified trainer from the American Heart Association, said the initiative seeks to build a comprehensive health security system that begins with the individual and extends to the wider community.
She noted that the campaign works to correct misconceptions related to diet and physical activity, highlighting them as the first line of defence against stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Integrating scientific awareness with practical application, she said, transforms knowledge into sustainable preventive behaviour, reduces emergency response time and improves public safety while protecting heart health.
The field initiative reinforces the principles of quality health education, successfully shifting preventive awareness from theory to practical application through broad community engagement. It supports national efforts aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease rates and fostering a society that is fully prepared to respond efficiently and effectively to health emergencies. — ONA
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