Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Each year, over 17.5 million die from cardiovascular disease (CVD), of which 8.6 million are women. Globally, 35% of all women are living with heart disease – this is more than the total number of females who die from all cancers, tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS and malaria combined. The statistics in the UAE are equally alarming, with 25% of all deaths caused by CVD – 50% being women. It’s the world’s number one killer, and yet most heart disease and stroke can be prevented.  This is the message that Deira City Centre together with Dubai Health Authority are campaigning for, by hosting the Go Red for Women initiative for the third consecutive year on May 4th and 5th at the mall.

Go Red for Women is an international awareness campaign dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and control of cardiovascular disease in women. Originally founded by the American Heart Association in 2004, the campaign was taken global by the World Heart Federation and its members and is a yearly initiative supported by more than 30 countries worldwide. The objective is to shed light on what was previously considered to be a man’s disease – Go Red for Women seeks to empower women with the knowledge and tools to take charge of their heart health and fight the number one killer in the world.

Joining hands with Dubai Health Authority, Deira City Centre will support Go Red for Women the weekend of May 4-5th by offering complimentary heart health tests for women. The event will take place on the Centre Stage, and medical doctors and specialists from Dubai Hospital will be administering a range of health-related tests including checks on Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol in addition to offering advice on nutrition, fitness and other preventative measures. Timings on both Friday and Saturday are: 10:00am – 1:00pm and 3:00pm – 7:00pm and tests are free for all females whether a resident or tourist. 

“The prevalence of cardiovascular disease amongst women in the Gulf region is a widespread epidemic that we need to raise a red flag on,” said Dr Nooshin Bazargani, from Dubai Hospital and Head of Emirates Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Group. “Half of all deaths in the UAE caused by heart disease are women, and a recent study revealed that more women are suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol than men. Through campaigns such as Go Red for Women, we are empowering women with information they need to detect risk factors, and take action for a healthier lifestyle. Deira City Centre is an ideal partner to help us reach out to our target audiences, due to its popularity with residents, accessibility and convenient location – we’re optimistic that this year will be the most successful to-date.”

“Go Red for Women is a passionate initiative Deira City Centre adapted three years ago in partnership with the Dubai Health Authority, to dispel the myths surrounding the risk of heart disease of women and to increase the levels of health awareness and education,” said Fuad Al Najjar, Senior Asset Director, Asset Management, Shopping Malls. “Last year, almost 1,350 women took action and visited the mall during Go Red for Women. With approximately 50% of all visitors to the mall being female and in their 30s, this initiative is the ideal platform to raise the red alert to the community and help fight cardiovascular disease.”

During the campaign, Deira City Centre will also be showcasing its Red Dress Gallery, comprising of various fashionable red dresses donated by the mall’s retailers. The red dress is the global symbol for the Go Red for Women campaign and represents femininity, the heart and female empowerment. The red dresses will raise further awareness of Go Red for Women, acting as a red alert for women to take steps towards preventative heart health care. At the end of the campaign, each dress will be given away as prizes to shoppers through the mall’s Facebook page. 

Deira City Cente first adapted Go Red for Women in 2009 by offering complimentary heart health tests to residents in the community, and the initiative has grown with success with increasing number of women participating each year.

For more information on Go Red for Women, please visit Deira City Centre’s Facebook page on: www.facebook.com/DeiraCityCentre.