The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) celebrated its 42nd birthday with the launch of its legacy campaign at Artscape Theatre on Thursday September 29.
The foundation’s birthday coincided with World Heart Day – which is observed annually with the aim of increasing awareness of cardiovascular diseases and how to control them.
Fondly identified through its iconic red and white Heart Mark, the foundation has played a leading role in fighting preventable heart disease, strokes and the associated risk factors, while also significantly reducing premature deaths and disabilities in South Africa.
HSFSA chief executive, Professor Pamela Naidoo said this was a monumental occasion for the NGO. “For the past 42 years, HSFSA has been advocating for health and wellness with passion, science, good governance, and human-centricity and we need to celebrate these achievements which inspire us to continue our important work,” she said.
HSFSA has played an important role in influencing policy and legislative changes through its advocacy for reducing salt, sugar and “bad fat” content in processed foods. HSFSA also stands with the health sector in its efforts to discourage tobacco use and to appeal to South Africans to drink alcohol responsibly to make communities healthier.
Board member John Stephenson said relevance and sustainability were two words that stood out to him when it came to the organisation.
“This organisation is relevant when looking at all the products on shelves tested by us. We have the backing of academics, pharmaceuticals and companies which will ensure our sustainability,” he said.
Abe Amien of the Willowton Group said his personal journey with heart health started as a little boy living in India. Now working in the oil industry – he said it often got a bad rap. The group partnered with the foundation in 2011 and today they are its diamond sponsor.
“The partnership allows increased awareness of heart health and strokes. Enhanced focus on oil quality and nutrition and more products with the heart mark,” he said.
Artscape Theatre CEO Marlene le Roux said it was passion that drives organisations such as these.
“You need a passionate, driven and organised team and a board with a clear vision to drive the organisation. When others see the passion, they will latch onto you,” she said.
The Legacy Campaign: Commemorating 42 years of protecting heart and brain health will share real-life narratives from 42 survivors, patients, their loved ones, and long-standing partners and staff on its website.
“Too often, we tell ourselves ‘I know I need to make a healthy change, but I’ll do it tomorrow’. The survivors of a stroke or a heart event have experienced that moment of realisation that maybe tomorrow may never come for them. Their stories are important to hear so that we better understand that every choice we make each day to eat healthily or go for a walk, to not smoke a cigarette or say no a second glass of wine, is a choice that actively protects our brain and our heart,” said Professor Naidoo.
Keynote speaker Health MEC Dr Nomafrench Mbombo said through its Heart Mark and management of the Diabetes South Africa Endorsement programme, the HSFSA made it easier for South Africans to improve their nutrition knowledge and make healthy eating choices.
“The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa has seen a significant increase in recent years. This ongoing rise has been attributed to four lifestyle risk factors, namely poor diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use and the inappropriate use of alcohol. All these factors are preventable,” she said.
