Epidemiologists in India and International agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), have been sounding an alarm on the rapidly rising burdens of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), the major cause of death and disability. CVD now the leading cause of death strikes Indians early and kills many in their productive mid-life years. In India, the projected death rates from CVD are much higher than the death rate caused by communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria. It is more likely to affect middle-aged adults than the elderly, it also affects both genders equally.Heart-attack victims are just the first wave of a swelling population of Indians  with heart problems.

By 2025, India is predicted to have the highest incidence  of diabetes & heart diseases in the world  & CVD will be leading cause of death & disability in India.

Base Line Survey for CVD & Diabetes.

One of the objectives of Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project is to develop effective models to combat non communicable diseases. With this objective, Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project had instituted a baseline survey with the objective of assessing the level of awareness in the community, both urban and rural, regarding the risk factors leading to Cardio Vascular Diseases and to estimate the prevalence of Cardio Vascular Diseases and Diabetes Mellitus in the urban and rural population of four districts in Tamil Nadu. The districts selected were Villupuram, Virudhunagar, Sivagangai & Theni. A total of 27,200 samples were selected in the above four districts by observing statistical principles. The Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure levels of all samples were also recorded. The results were analyzed and the findings of the survey is given below and copy of the baseline survey report is enclosed for perusal.

Upscaling

Using the lessons learnt from the pilot project, Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project is in the process of planning for the future to extend and expand a sustainable long term  intervention for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes  in  the state. It will be done in a phased manner. Phase-I 1-16 districts (2011-2012), Phase-II 1-16 districts (2012-2013) as given below.

Mode of Upscaling: Primary Prevention Key Intervention

          These programmes shall be implemented in partnership with the departments of School Education, Rural development, Labour Department, Directorate of Public Health,  Directorate of Medical Services, Directorate of Medical Education, Directorate of ESI Dispensaries/Hospitals, Municipal Administration and Water Supply respectively.

          Largest IEC (Information Education and Communication) intervention will be undertaken in entire state.

Strategies adopted

For upscaling, TNHSP has adopted a four-pronged intervention strategy: School based, Workplace based, Community based, Clinic based.

The four aspects were interlinked in their common aim of promoting behaviour change through raising awareness of lifestyle risk factors and screening for hypertension and diabetes in men and women above 30 years of age at designated health centres, including PHCs, GHs, Municipal Hospitals, ESI Dispensaries, and ESI Hospitals of the State.

Expected outcomes of scale up to the entire state

• Approximately 2.65 crores of population (both men & women above 30 years of age) will be screened for Hypertension & Diabetes. The intense IEC (Information Education and Communication) activities proposed will help us achieve the above indicated target population by improving the treatment seeking behaviour among the target population.
• Based on the results of the pilot, it is estimated to detect 17 lakhs persons each with Hypertension and Diabetes and provide treatment. These numbers are arrived based on the population covered and patients detected in the pilot districts.
• Atleast 50% of them will be prevented from developing complications like stroke and coronary artery disease.
• Creation of large level of awareness regarding the risk factors leading to Cardiovascular Diseases

Reduction of smoking in the community

Programme Brochure