Brunei’s health strategy now targets the cardiovascular disease crisis; leading cause of death in 2023

BNADAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): In Brunei, cardiovascular disease ranked first as the leading cause of death in 2023, with 520 deaths, 31 percent of which were classified as premature deaths.

Health Minister Dato’ Seri Setia Dr Isham Jaafar announced the figures during the opening of the Brunei Darussalam Cardiological Society’s 11th annual scientific meeting on Sunday.

“More than 13,000 cases of cardiovascular disease were reported last year,” he added.

Last year, a total of 1,241 angiographic examinations and 621 coronary interventions, as well as 171 surgical procedures, predominantly coronary artery bypass grafting, were performed at Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre, the only tertiary heart center in Brunei offering specialized cardiac treatment.

The minister added that the steady increase in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, especially among younger age groups, is alarming due to the economic and social pressure it places on society. In 2023, the average age of patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease was 62 years.

“It is important to recognize the various risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease, including behavioral factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets associated with excessive fat and salt intake, and a sedentary lifestyle,” the minister said.

Other risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes – all of which can be prevented or controlled with early detection.

The Minister reiterated Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to combating cardiovascular diseases, a key priority of the national health strategy on non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

“The Government, through the Ministry of Health, continues to place a strong emphasis on non-communicable diseases, and heart disease is one of the key areas of our national strategy,” the Minister said.

Stressing the importance of early detection, Dr Isham pointed to initiatives such as the Health Index and Risk Assessment, which encourages Bruneians to assess their health status and undergo screenings.

“Early detection through medical examination facilitates timely treatment and helps prevent associated complications,” he said.

Using the BruHealth app, users can assess their cardiovascular risk profile and receive recommendations for preventive actions. In addition, anonymous data collected through this platform helps research, refine risk assessments, and improve prevention strategies.

Brunei’s commitment to reducing mortality from NCDs is also reflected in the Brunei Darussalam Multi-Sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (BruMAP-NCD) 2021-2025.

This action plan aims to achieve a 10 percent reduction in premature deaths from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases by 2025.

Despite these successes, demand for cardiac services remains high as Brunei faces a shortage of specialists.

“The ratio of cardiologists to population is currently approximately 1 in 37,500,” the minister said, comparing it to the United Kingdom’s rate of 1 in 33,000 but highlighting the difference with countries such as the United States, which boast a ratio 1 in 33,000 people. for 7000.

Addressing this challenge, he called on local doctors, nurses and allied health workers to undergo specialized training in cardiology to meet the growing demand.

To support this, the Ministry of Health is investing in continuing medical education and access to international training programs for health professionals.

“We must create a workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to manage the growing burden of cardiovascular disease,” the minister said, emphasizing the importance of a skilled and well-trained workforce.

The Minister also thanked the Cardiological Society for organizing the meeting, calling it important for sharing experiences and stimulating further progress in the field of cardiovascular care.

“Meetings like these are critical to shaping the future of cardiac care in Brunei,” he said, wishing participants success in their discussions and research endeavors. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN