AXA Affin General Insurance (AAGI) has partnered with the Go Red for Women campaign of the Heart Foundation of Malaysia (Yayasan Jantung Malaysia/YJM) to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease in women.
According to a statement by AXA, there is a common misconception that the leading cause of death for women are gender-specific diseases such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or cervical cancer. However, data shows that over 8.6 million women globally die from cardiovascular disorders such as heart disease and strokes. This figure is larger than all women’s deaths from cancer, tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS combined, despite most forms of heart disease and strokes being preventable.
Go Red for Women is part of an international awareness campaign that seeks to drive prevention, diagnosis and control of cardiovascular disease in women. The partnership between AAGI and YJM involves a series of heart health educational roadshows to raise awareness on cardiovascular disease and educate women about the importance of prevention and protection.
“With awareness and preventive measures, the number of cardiovascular disease can be reduced,” said Rebecca Tan, AAGI chief marketing officer and head of bancassurance. “That is why we have partnered with YJM on the Go Red for Women campaign to improve women’s knowledge of cardiovascular disease so that they can take preventive action and live a healthier life. As the number one general insurer in medical and health, we want to be more than just an insurer that only pays for claims. We want to be a health partner that cares for Malaysians’ well-being and play an active role in empowering them to live a better life.”
The inaugural Go Red for Women campaign was recently held in Kuala Lumpur, drawing 150 women attendees. It was officiated by Encik Sukri bin Omar, sentul district officer. It featured educational activities organised for participants including informative talks on heart health and insurance awareness, comprehensive health checks, and nutritional advice. The campaign is part of AXA’s ongoing #LaughForHealth campaign to engage and give back to the local community while encouraging Malaysians to live a healthy lifestyle.
“We are very grateful for the generous partnership extended by AAGI in their continuous initiative to partner with the public on their health journey,” said Puan Hajjah Ainon Haji Kuntom, director of YJM. “Through close partnership and community engagement events like Go Red for Women, we are able to send a collective signal to women that they are not alone in their fight against cardiovascular disease.”
