Indonesian government tackles leading killer with new program aimed at reducing heart attacks and strokes

March 29, 2023 (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)—The Association of Indonesia Local Health Offices (ADINKES) today announces a new partnership with global health non-profit, Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), to prevent millions of premature deaths by improving control of high blood pressure. The new effort, in support of the Indonesia Ministry of Health (MOH), will strengthen high blood pressure treatment at the primary care level and eliminate industrially produced trans fat from the food supply chain.

In Indonesia, where someone dies from heart disease every 60 seconds, two in five adults aged 30–79 have high blood pressure, the leading risk factor for heart disease. High blood pressure can be successfully treated and managed at the primary care level, avoiding expensive hospital procedures, prolonging lives and preventing needless suffering from heart attacks and strokes.

“Building on recent successes to further reduce the burden of heart disease in Indonesia is achievable,” said Prof. dr. Dante Saksono Harbuwono, Deputy Minister, Indonesia Ministry of Health. “We welcome the opportunity to partner with ADINKES and Resolve to Save Lives to improve high blood pressure care and remove toxic substances from our food supply accelerating progress toward healthier families and communities.”

“Managing high blood pressure and preventing heart disease must become a global priority,” said Dr. Renu Garg, Senior Vice President of Cardiovascular Health at Resolve to Save Lives. “We are excited to partner with ADINKES and Ministry of Health and support their effort to bring global best practices in prevention and control of heart disease to the people of Indonesia.”

RTSL and ADINKES will also partner on an initiative to eliminate trans fat from the nation’s food supply. The adoption of best practice policies that are protective against trans fat will launch shortly, protecting Indonesians from this harmful food additive and further reducing risk of heart disease.

“Indonesia already has a very strong primary health care system that is able to provide care close to home and free of charge,” said dr. M. Subuh, Chairman of ADINKES. “Increasing heart health services in primary health care settings is a must-action to be taken forward as our continued commitment to our society. We should aim to meet the global standard for hypertension services throughout the country.”

To learn more about the new program, a video recording of the launch event can be viewed here.

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About the Association of Indonesia Local Health Authorities (ADINKES)

Association of Indonesia Local Health Offices (ADINKES) formed to facilitate collaboration between local health offices in Indonesia. Its mission includes improving communications among members, government, the private sector, and communities in implementing health development, and supporting the government in the development of public health, individual, and community empowerment efforts.

Media Contacts:

Halik Sidik, ADINKES: [email protected], +62.811.494.628

Steven Chlapecka, Resolve to Save Lives: [email protected], +1.917.623.0246

General inquiries, Resolve to Save Lives: [email protected]

Media Contact

[email protected]

About Resolve to Save Lives

Resolve to Save Lives is a not-for-profit organization partnering with countries, communities and organizations to prevent 100 million deaths from cardiovascular disease and make the world safer from epidemics. To find out more, visit: resolvetosavelives.org or Twitter @ResolveTSL.