8th African Heart Network Annual Meeting & Workshop, Abuja, Nigeria, 26 -27, Sept. 2009.

Theme: Reducing Cardiovascular Disease in African Nation

Recently, Abuja city the capital of Nigeria witnessed a flurry of activities when the Nigerian Heart Foundation hosted the 8th African Heart Network Annual Meeting & Workshop which took place from 26 -27 Sept. 2009 in Sheraton hotel Abuja, Nigeria. The meeting was attended by representatives of National African Heart Foundations who are members of African Heart Network. Representatives of World Heart Federation, World Health Organisation, International Development of Research Centre Canada, NGOs and health professionals were also in attendance. Concurrently with the conference was the Satellite meeting of International Forum of Hypertension in Africa and Pan - African Society of Cardiology running September 24th - 28th.

The 8th African Heart Network ( Abuja Heart Jamboree) was jointly organised by the World Heart Federation, a nongovernmental organization whose mission is to help achieve a longer and better life through prevention and control of Heart disease and stroke, with a focus on low - and middle income countries.

The Conference started with Pre - event media briefing in Lagos at the Nigerian Heart Foundation Office. The Press briefing was chaired by the President of African Heart Network, Dr. Kingsley .K. Akinroye, supported by the Executive Secretary, African Heart Network, Mrs. Bola Ojo. Also in attendance was Mr. Bode Olufemi, a consultant with the International Development Research Centre Canada (IDRC) & Acting Director of African Tobacco Control Regional Initiative (ARTCRI) represented by Mrs. Yemisi Olaiyitan and the Vice president of the Nigerian Heart Foundation, Engr. Oluyomi Adeyemi -Wilson.

Briefing newsmen in Lagos, the President of AHN expressed fear at the growing number of non communicable diseases in Africa and said that the Abuja conference was to chart a new way on measures to reduce incidences of cardiovascular diseases in Africa. Calling on the International community to pay more attention to heart related diseases in Africa, Dr. Akinroye said, reduction of incidences of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and Diabetes in Africa was long overdue. Also briefing newsmen Mrs Bola Ojo, Executive Secretary, AHN said the theme of the 2009, World Heart Day which she said would be flagged off by the World heart Federation President, Prof. Pekka Puska in Abuja, Nigeria is themed 'Work with Heart'. Emphasizing the importance of the theme for 2009 world heart day, she said most people spend their waking hours working.

At the commencement of the 2 day Conference in Abuja on Saturday Sept. 26, opening address was read by the President of World Heart Federation Prof. Pekka Puska represented by Ms. Helen Alderson, CEO, World Health Federation and Dr. Shanti Mendis, WHO Geneva amongst others. The President of the African Heart Network, Dr. K.K. Akinroye delivered the keynote speech. Dr. Akinroye presented the challenges of cardiovascular disease in the African continent and the scientific advances African Heart Network is making in the management of cardiovascular diseases and review effective approaches in tackling the rising burden of cardiovascular disease in Africa. He said the tasks of prevention is the responsibility of all including - Governments, Mass media, NGOs etc.