On the first anniversary of the establishment of the National Network for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, the first program in a series of specialized sessions was held on Wednesday, July 17th, titled “Factors Affecting Cardiovascular Health with a Focus on Increasing Physical Activity” at the Andishgah Cultural Hall of the National Library of Iran. The event was attended by representatives of health-oriented associations, experts, and physicians. The Immunodeficiency Patients Advocacy Association also participated in this session.
In this specialized session, Dr. Mohammadreza Masjedi, CEO of the network and a pulmonology specialist, introduced the activities of this NGO network composed of 40 health-related NGOs over the past year. He stated that the purpose of these sessions is to raise public awareness. Dr. Masjedi emphasized that the network’s main mission is raising awareness about non-communicable diseases and the five common risk factors: tobacco use, insufficient physical activity, unhealthy diet, alcohol consumption, and air pollution. He noted that the dedication of NGOs to these issues is a prerequisite for public advocacy in health development and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.
Ease of access to medications and treatment centers, as well as appropriate dietary therapy, were other key points of Dr. Masjedi’s speech. He evaluated health programs such as the National Blood Pressure Mobilization as effective and mentioned two comprehensive programs by the Ministry of Health for rapid diagnosis and treatment of suspected acute cardiac and cerebral complications nationwide. He also provided two phone numbers, 247 and 724, for people to utilize these services across the country.
Dr. Mohammadreza Masjedi referred to recent efforts by the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education in improving public health and stated that the network operates through organized programs to enhance public awareness at the national level.
Another speaker, Dr. Masoud Ghasemi, a cardiologist and CEO of the Iranian Atherosclerosis Association, emphasized the necessity of developing comprehensive (long-term, medium-term, and short-term) plans as priorities in preventing non-communicable diseases. Dr. Ghasemi highlighted the importance of correct information dissemination through media and communication networks as a key duty of active health NGOs and called for stronger participation of these NGOs in advocacy to increase social awareness.
Dr. Ghasemi concluded his speech with three recommendations: proper cultural education for families, modeling healthy food consumption aligned with a healthy lifestyle, and raising awareness about the existence of diseases.
Following that, Dr. Majid Khatouni, a sports sociologist and CEO of the Society, Sports, and Culture Association, spoke on the impact of exercise and physical activity on public health. He described sports as a key element in sustainable development and a reflection of national vitality. He highlighted increased attention to physical fitness, body composition, and weight control as three major focuses in developed countries.
Dr. Khatouni stressed the urgent need to shift from traditional views of sports to a modern perspective in today’s era, stating that people worldwide must engage in learning various forms of purposeful physical activity throughout their lives and improve their sports literacy. He assessed the per capita exercise rate in Iran as inadequate and attributed this to cognitive errors regarding sports in individual and social spheres, dysfunctional operations in sports institutions, and lack of sufficient facilities. He proposed three strategies to combat sedentary lifestyles and increase public sports participation: eliminating sports discrimination, equitable distribution of equipment and facilities, and adopting a bottom-up (people-centered) decision-making process in community sports.
The session concluded with a Q&A panel involving attendees. It is noted that these sessions will continue by examining other factors affecting non-communicable diseases.
