Sanofi Turkey Basic Products Business Unit Director Berk Tümen: “We are always pursuing the miracles of science and thus we work to improve human lives with the treatments we develop.”
Can we learn from you about Sanofi’s studies and approaches to hypertension?
As Sanofi, we are always pursuing the miracles of science, and thus we continue to offer the treatment solutions we have developed to improve human health, thanks to our team of 91 thousand people in 90 countries. In Turkey, with our 66-year footprint and many years of experience, we provide services with 220 different products in the fields of specific treatments, general medicines, vaccines and consumer health. One of our areas of expertise in the treatments we develop to move public health forward is hypertension, one of the most common diseases in the world.
Sanofi is a company that has spent 60 years committed to understanding cardiovascular diseases, constantly improving and providing solutions. It is estimated that the diseases discussed in this context affect more than 530 million people worldwide today. We develop treatments in this direction and continue our work to improve the living standards of patients.
Do you have any production on this subject in Turkey?
As Sanofi Türkiye, we have been continuing our work for public health in the field of hypertension for 24 years. We deliver Sanofi hypertension treatments produced in our Lüleburgaz Factory, which is the 3rd largest production facility in terms of production capacity among Sanofi’s production centers around the world, to approximately 4.5 million patients in Turkey.
In addition, we work together with all stakeholders to raise awareness of hypertension. Because we know that when we look at preventable deaths, 1 in 4 deaths can be prevented by controlling hypertension. Many people’s lives can be saved with routine habits such as regular blood pressure measurements for people at risk or with hypertension and regular use of medications.
Dr. Zeynep Çalışkan “Hypertension causes the death of millions of people every year due to the complications it creates.”
Why is it important to be aware of hypertension?
Our blood pressure normally needs to be within a certain range in order to carry enough oxygen and nutrients to the tissues in our body. If this range is too high, it is defined as hypertension. Unfortunately, hypertension may not cause symptoms. For this, regular blood pressure measurement is necessary. Only in this way can blood pressure be kept under control. According to research, hypertension can often accompany heart diseases, stroke or kidney diseases. Therefore, we think that hypertension should not be defined as a single disease. In order to keep this situation, which has extremely serious consequences, under control, it is very important for people at risk to be aware of this issue. We all need to know that this situation can be prevented by regular blood pressure measurement, lifestyle changes after a diagnosis of hypertension made by a family physician or specialist, or medication when necessary. We also need to know that raising awareness about hypertension will significantly reduce further consequences in society.
How does the hypertension situation progress in the world and in Turkey?
Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases and a global public health problem. As I just mentioned, millions of people unfortunately lose their lives due to hypertension and its complications. This is why 45 percent of deaths due to heart diseases occur. 51 percent of stroke-related deaths. Research shows that the main reasons for this prevalence in the world are the increase in the elderly population and obesity in society and excessive salt consumption.
Approximately 31.8 percent of the population in our country struggles with hypertension. This rate is stated as 36.1 percent for women and 27.5 percent for men. However, a study conducted in 2012 revealed that 45.3 percent of those with hypertension were unaware of the condition.
Keeping the disease under control through increased awareness of hypertension significantly reduces mortality rates. Based on this point and with the responsibility of Sanofi’s mission in the field of cardiovascular and hypertension, we continue our work to increase awareness in society. For example, we have been among the sponsors of the National Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases Congress, hosted by the National Cardiovascular Diseases Association, for 5 years.
It is extremely valuable and important for us to take part in this event, which coincides with Sanofi’s vision in the field of cardiology. Another institution we cooperate with for the same purpose is the Turkish Cardiology Association. We carry out awareness activities for our physicians and patients through the Heart of Turkey platform, which was launched specifically for the 100th anniversary of our Republic.
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