In his address, Mr Bundhoo stated that a multilateral approach and strategy with regard to health is needed and that more importance has to be laid on prevention if the trend of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases is to be reversed. It is imperative that the ministry of Health and Quality of Life works in collaboration with other ministries such as  Education and Human Resources; Youth and Sports; Civil Service and Administrative Reforms; Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment and Social Security, National Solidarity and Reform Institutions.

Minister Bundhoo recalled that Mauritius has an ageing population and that 23 % of the population aged 25 to 74 years old suffers from diabetes and the number of people affected by cardiovascular diseases is on the increase whereas our eating habits are deteriorating. He underlined the need for the population to change their unhealthy food habits, indulge in more physical activity and to say no to tobacco and alcohol consumption. The Minister cautioned that unless measures are implemented now, in the next five years the population will be seriously ill.

For his part, Mr Sutyadeo Moutia said that the one of the objective of his ministry is to create a conducive environment for public officers so that they work in a healthy atmosphere. He recalled that a budget of Rs 34.5 million was allocated last year to the ministry to enhance the work environment. In a bid to improve the health of the population, the ministry is working on projects such as construction of jogging tracks, introduction of medical scheme and counseling desk for public officers.

The theme chosen for the World Heart Day this year by the World Heart Federation is ‘One World, One Home, One Heart’. Individuals are being called upon to reduce their own and their family’s risk of heart disease and stroke by initiating steps such as choosing healthy food options, increasing physical activity and saying no to tobacco.

Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s largest killers, claiming 17.3 million lives a year. Risk factors for heart disease and stroke include raised blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, smoking, inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables, obesity and physical inactivity.

According to the Non-Communicable Diseases Survey 2009, there was an estimated 172 400 people between the ages of 25 and 74 years with diabetes in Mauritius; 65.6% of adult Mauritians were overweight or obese. The prevalence of hypertension was 37.9% while that of elevated total cholesterol 34.7%. As reported by the survey 3.7% women and 40.3% men are smokers and only 16.5% of Mauritian adults aged 25-74 years undertake sufficient physical activity to meet the national guidelines of 30 minutes of leisure time activity (moderate to vigorous) per day to maintain good health.  Approximately 1 in 2 people (56.2%) reported no participation in moderate or vigorous leisure time physical activity at all.