El Salvador has achieved remarkable success in the global management of hypertension, as highlighted by Dr. Pedro Orduñez, the Regional Advisor on Non-Communicable Diseases for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the technical leader of the HEARTS in the Americas initiative. This year, El Salvador earned the top spot worldwide for its advancements in hypertension control.
«Every year, there is a competition among countries and individuals to see who excels the most in combating hypertension, and I must say that this year, El Salvador achieved first place globally for its progress in managing hypertension,» announced Dr. Orduñez.
These remarks were made during a ceremony commemorating World Hypertension Day, attended by personnel from the Ministry of Health (MINSAL), the Salvadoran Social Security Institute (ISSS), the Solidarity Fund for Health (Fosalud), and universities offering medical and health-related programs.
Dr. Orduñez praised the nationwide efforts being undertaken in healthcare facilities. As part of the HEARTS strategy team that visited the country this week, he observed the care being provided in various centers.
«It’s great that we are gathering on World Hypertension Day to celebrate that cardiovascular disease and hypertension can be prevented; but when prevention isn’t possible, they can be adequately treated if we have a healthcare system that provides access to medication and care. I have seen it over these past few days with the HEARTS team visiting La Palma, San Martín, and Santa Ana. They are making excellent progress,» Orduñez stated.
This recognition underscores El Salvador’s commitment and effective strategies in tackling hypertension, setting a benchmark for other nations to follow.