Majid Al Futtaim Properties, a leading developer of malls and hotels in the region, has partnered with Dubai Health Authority and Emirates Cardiac Society to launch a major awareness drive on the killer cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The campaign will kick off across all MAF shopping malls on World Heart Day and run for two weekends over September 28-29 and October 5-6 raising widespread awareness on CVD and encouraging residents to make positive lifestyle changes.

The silent killer CVD is the world’s leading cause of death, claiming more than 17.3 million lives globally.

It is estimated that by 2030, this number will rise to 23 million people. In the UAE alone, approximately 25 per cent of all deaths are caused by heart disease and stroke.

According to experts, at least 80 per cent of these deaths could have been avoided if the main risk factors – tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity – had been addressed.

To drive this message across the UAE, all six of MAF malls, for the first time, have joined forces with UAE health authorities to fight the killer disease.

“While this is not the first time we have partnered with the DHA and the Emirates Cardiac Society on their community and health-related campaigns, the increasing prevalence of heart disease and stroke in the UAE has compelled MAF’s six shopping malls to band together for this important cause,” remarked Fuad Al Najjar, senior director – asset management, shopping malls for MAF.

Through the partnership with DHA and the Emirates Cardiac Society, the malls will be offering complimentary heart health tests and medical advice to shoppers and residents, he noted.

Deira City Centre and Fujairah City Centre will offer testing from September 28-29th; and Mirdif City Centre and Sharjah City Centre will host the event from October 5-6th.

Lending additional support to World Heart Day, Ajman City Centre will be offering heart health testing the weekend of October 5-6th through a partnership with Ajman Medical District and the Rashid Center for Diabetes & Research, both part of the UAE Ministry of Health.

Mall of the Emirates will be getting active by hosting a ‘Walk for a Cause’ in support of World Heart Day, encouraging residents to get active and promoting the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

The mall walk will take place on the morning of September 27th starting at 8:30am and all participants will receive a specially designed T-Shirt commemorating the occasion.

Dr Nooshin Bazargani, the deputy head of Dubai Heart Centre and chair of the CVD Prevention Group of Emirates Cardiac Society Center pointed out that the World Heart Day (on Sept 29) raises the red flag on the prevalence of heart disease and stroke in the Middle East.

"There is an urgent need to educate our society, in particular youth and women, about the dangers of poor lifestyle choices and the impact it has on their heart health," she stated.

"Public outreach and awareness campaigns are imperative in the fight against cardiovascular disease, and Majid Al Futtaim Properties’ shopping malls have provided the ideal platform for maximum visibility and to reach as many people as possible across the UAE," Dr Bazargani added.

Calendar of Activities for World Heart Day:

September 27: ‘Walk for a Cause’ at 8:30am in Mall of the Emirates

September 28-29: Heart health testing & medical consultation. Deira/Fujairah City Centre 10am to1pm/3 pm to 6pm

October 5-6: Heart health testing & medical consultation Sharjah/Ajman/Mirdif City Centre (10am-1pm /3pm-6pm)

During the campaign weekends, doctors and specialists from hospitals in the surrounding community will be administering a range of health-related tests including Body Mass Index, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, in addition to offering advice on nutrition, fitness and other health and well-being areas of concern, said Al Najjar.

"All tests and consultations are complimentary, and are available for males and females, residents or visitors," he noted.

"In addition, every one who registers and completes the heart health test at Deira City Centre or Mirdif City Centre will receive a one-day pass to Fitness First located in either mall," he added.-TradeArabia News Service