I am a volunteer for the PATH/Novartis Foundation Communities for Healthy Hearts (CH2) project in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – where 1 in 4 of adults have hypertension but only 50% of them know they have this condition. As a retired military medic, I was already giving health advice to my neighbors so I was happy to work with CH2. Now I offer free blood pressure checks, referrals and support for people in my community. I find lots of people still don’t understand hypertension and are surprised when I tell them they have high blood pressure. When this happens, I refer them to a clinic or hospital but many are reluctant - they are afraid and don’t want to take medicine for the rest of their lives. I work hard to convince them to go to hospital, and eventually they do follow my advice. So far, I’ve screened over 400 people, and around 75 had high blood pressure. I made sure all of them sought further diagnosis, and now I’m helping them to adhere to treatment and live healthier lives. Coming to me for a blood pressure check is quick and free – very easy for low income households in Ho Chi Minh City. Because people trust me, I can support them. I think that to really tackle hypertension and other chronic NCDs, diagnosis and care mechanisms need to be integrated into the support systems that already exist in the community. Like free checks with local volunteers like me, services need to fit in with people’s lives. I’m looking forward to helping more and more people in my community! more >
