The Fondation Cœur de grâce has launched a campaign to screen at least 1,000 people for cardiovascular diseases in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The campaign, which runs from September 29 to October 2, 2026, is being held in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene, and Universal Health Coverage, as well as the National Program to Fight Non-Communicable Diseases. The campaign aims to detect and prevent cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and diabetes.
The campaign is taking place at several sites in Abidjan, including the Institut Cœur de grâce, the Cocody Communal Hotel, Anono, and the Angré Stadium. During the campaign, participants will receive free blood pressure measurements, blood sugar tests, and medical consultations. The organizers have also planned exemptions for patients who require medical care. The campaign's goal is to encourage people to prioritize their cardiovascular health and adopt healthy behaviors.
According to Professor Iklo Coulibaly, the medical and scientific director of the Institut Cœur de grâce, prevention is key to fighting cardiovascular diseases. He emphasized the importance of regularly monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, as well as maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity. Coulibaly also recommended quitting smoking and seeking medical consultations to prevent and manage cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Bekanty Fabrice Kouassi, a cardiologist at the Institut Cœur de grâce, explained that hypertension is one of the main conditions being targeted during the campaign. He defined high blood pressure as a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher and a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. Early detection and treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases are crucial to preventing complications and improving health outcomes.
The Fondation Cœur de grâce has been organizing this type of campaign for 11 years, alongside training programs for healthcare professionals. According to Douyeré Desarmes, the foundation's secretary-general, the campaign focuses on prevention, screening, and treatment, with an emphasis on adopting healthy behaviors. Desarmes encouraged people to take advantage of the free screenings and consultations to better understand their cardiovascular health.
The campaign's organizers believe that by working together, they can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of the population. By providing free screenings and consultations, they hope to encourage people to prioritize their cardiovascular health and seek medical care when needed. The campaign is an important step towards reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases in Côte d'Ivoire.
The Fondation Cœur de grâce's efforts to promote cardiovascular health are ongoing, with a focus on education, prevention, and treatment. The campaign in Abidjan is just one example of the foundation's commitment to improving the health and well-being of the population. By continuing to raise awareness and provide access to healthcare services, the foundation aims to make a lasting impact on the health of Côte d'Ivoire's citizens.
Key points
- The campaign aims to screen 1,000 people for cardiovascular diseases in Abidjan.
- The campaign is being held in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene, and Universal Health Coverage.
- The campaign provides free screenings and consultations for hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
