2nd national congress of (SOCART): Strengthening the management of hypertension and thrombosis in Togo

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Extract from the article: On June 12 and 13, the Togo Cardiology Society (SOCART) held its 2nd national congress in Lomé on the theme of “hypertension - venous thrombo-embolic diseases”. This scientific event, which brought together some 150 participants, provided an opportu

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On June 12 and 13, the Togo Cardiology Society (SOCART) held its 2nd national congress in Lomé on the theme of “hypertension - venous thrombo-embolic diseases”.  This scientific event, which brought together some 150 participants, provided an opportunity to take stock of these two major pathologies, responsible for thousands of deaths every year in Africa.

In Togo, the prevalence of arterial hypertension is 30%, and 10% are affected by thrombosis, according to official data. In this respect, the SOCART national congress represents a key moment for upgrading the skills of Togolese healthcare professionals, as well as a significant step forward in the battle against these two diseases. The meeting provided an opportunity to share knowledge and best practices in the diagnosis and treatment of arterial hypertension and venous thrombo-embolic disease.

This congress aims to create a space for convergence between science, clinical practice, public health and community involvement. "Our aim is to think together about innovative and realistic effective strategies to reduce the complications associated with these two dreaded silent conditions. We have chosen to highlight these diseases because they quietly affect a large proportion of our population. Because they are responsible for severe human suffering, premature death and considerable socio-economic costs. And above all, because they are predictable, preventable and treatable if we act in time", stressed Pr Ag Soulemane Pessinaba, Chairman of the Congress Organizing Committee, at the opening ceremony.

Over two (2) days, cardiology experts took stock of prevalence, clinical practices and management challenges, shared experiences and research findings, and developed new strategies to combat these diseases. More than 30 scientific papers were presented, including plenary lectures by leading experts. Cardiologists also took part in practical workshops such as handling syringes and multiparameter monitors, interpreting electrocardiograms, cardiovascular resuscitation and the use of automatic defibrillators.

The head of Togo's cardiovascular disease control program, Pr Jean-Marie Damorou, pointed out that hypertension and thrombosis are responsible for strokes, myocardial infarction, heart failure and kidney damage. That's why it's important for healthcare professionals, and cardiologists in particular, to be equipped to better manage cardiovascular disease, he said.

For physician Lieutenant-Colonel Pr Machihude Pio, President of SOCART, cardiovascular emergencies are a race against time. This congress therefore plays an essential role in modern medical practice and the updating of knowledge, highlighting the importance that Togo attaches to the fight against cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Kokou Wotobé, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, emphasized that improving access to treatment for cardiovascular diseases is a public health priority for the government, given their high mortality rate and the often long delays between diagnosis and the start of treatment. In his view, it is necessary to intensify prevention and early detection measures, improve coordination between stakeholders and encourage patient involvement to combat this discreet disease.

William O.