01-03-2025
In the modern world, the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing rapidly across countries. Diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, and diabetes mellitus are leading causes of death and disability, both globally and in our country. To prevent these diseases, it is crucial to combat major risk factors while promoting and encouraging a responsible approach to health, along with widespread public awareness campaigns. With this aim, the "Target 130/80" hypertension control project has been launched in Azerbaijan.
This announcement was made at a conference held on February 27, 2025, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, with the participation of healthcare and medical professionals.
Ramik Guliyev, Head of the Health Policy Department of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, highlighted the significance of the "Target 130/80" hypertension control project in the context of non-communicable disease prevention. He emphasized that the fight against non-communicable diseases has become a priority task for healthcare systems both globally and at national levels.
Nargiz Agaeva, Head of the Department of Medical Services and Pharmaceuticals of the State Agency for Mandatory Health Insurance, pointed out that non-communicable diseases are a major issue of modern society. "The increase in non-communicable diseases, as well as their growing prevalence among younger populations, is largely due to unhealthy habits, sedentary lifestyles, and other risk factors. The accessibility of various medical examinations and treatments through medical insurance in our country, along with regular preventive check-ups, doctor consultations, and early treatments, helps prevent complications and undesirable outcomes."
Araz Nasirov, Deputy Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Medical Territorial Units Management Union (TƏBİB), stressed the importance of both healthcare interventions and public education: "The main goal of this project is to encourage people to change their lifestyle and monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar levels."
Rashad Mahmudov, Deputy Chairman of the Health Committee of the National Assembly, emphasized that the implementation of such a project is a crucial step towards improving public health and ensuring longer life expectancy for citizens in the country.
Babek Tatlıyev, Head of the Appeals Department of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation's "Regional Development" Public Union, noted the importance of extending activities to not only the capital but also the regions: "This project aims to remind everyone of their personal responsibility for their health and well-being."
Hande Harmancı, WHO Representative in Azerbaijan, expressed concern about the growing impact of non-communicable diseases: "Non-communicable diseases have become the leading cause of illness, death, and disability in all countries, including Azerbaijan. Reducing the risk factors that contribute to the development of these diseases and adopting healthy behaviors can significantly alleviate this burden."
Rishad Təhmazov, Director of Servye Azerbaijan, stated that hypertension is widely spread in Azerbaijan, as in the rest of the world: "Although high blood pressure is a major risk factor for death and disability, this issue is still not given the attention it requires. Therefore, the initiative for the 'Target 130/80' hypertension control project was introduced in our country. The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness about hypertension and its potential complications, as well as to emphasize the importance of measuring blood pressure and following medical recommendations."
Ülvi Mirzoyev, President of the Azerbaijan Society of Cardiology, provided detailed information about the "Target 130/80" project: "Approximately 60-70% of annual deaths in our country are due to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, through public education, it is possible to prevent these diseases, especially by controlling arterial pressure."
The conference also noted that the "Target 130/80" hypertension control project will continue throughout the year. The main goal of the project is to strengthen hypertension control among the Azerbaijani population and, within a year, reduce cardiovascular diseases by involving doctors to the maximum extent and following evidence-based treatment guidelines.
As part of the project, awareness campaigns will be conducted among the public, in hospitals, and through various media channels, including television, radio, and social media.
Organizers of the "Target 130/80" Hypertension Control Project:
The project aims to reduce the burden of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases in Azerbaijan through increased awareness, early detection, and lifestyle changes.
