Every year on 29th September, the world comes together to raise awareness about heart health. This year’s theme, Don’t Miss a Beat, reminds us to make every moment count by choosing healthy habits that protect our hearts and prevent disease.
On Tuesday (30th September 2025), the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA) commemorated World Heart Day, where crowds of people came together to learn how to take better care of their hearts. This annual event aims to raise awareness about heart health and encourage people to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Population Health Officers, along with Wellness Clinic staff and other clinicians, led mobile awareness activities through Top Town before setting up at Pope’s Oval. There, they engaged the public with healthy cooking demonstrations, wellness checks, and informative sessions on preventing heart disease and other lifestyle diseases.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming over 20.5 million lives each year. In Papua New Guinea, one in five people dies from heart-related and other emerging lifestyle diseases. However, more than 80 per cent of these conditions are preventable through early screening, proper treatment, and healthy habits like good nutrition and regular physical activity.
Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure are part of a larger group known as non-communicable diseases. Unlike infectious diseases like TB or malaria, these are caused by a mix of genetics, diet, physical activity, and environmental factors. A heart attack, the most common and deadly form, often begins with sudden chest pain on the left side, which may spread to the shoulder, arm, or back.
World Heart Day is a reminder that heart health is in our hands. Through events like this, WHPHA continues to inspire communities to eat healthy, stay active, get regular check-ups and protect their hearts, one beat at a time. WHPHA reminded everyone that a happy heart means a healthier life.
