Pulmonary hypertension is a serious and potentially fatal lung disease for which there is no cure. It is a condition that affects the arteries of the lungs, hindering the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. People living with PH suffer from continuous high blood pressure in the lungs, which results in an enlargement of the heart. If left untreated, this will often lead to a weakness of the right-side of the heart, a serious type of heart failure. PH can strike anyone. It typically affects people between 20 and 60 years of age, but PH can also affect children and the elderly.
Learn more about pulmonary hypertension:
World PH Day 2024 Highlights:
1. The Paint Canada Purple Campaign
In Canada, World PH Day is brought directly to communities across the country. Each year members of the PH community encourage their local community leaders to recognize World PH Day by lighting up a local monument purple. Since 2014, thanks to these efforts, monuments have been illuminated in periwinkle purple on May 5th from coast to coast.
World PH Day 2024 saw 23 landmarks illuminated purple and 7 proclamations issued recognizing May 5th, World PH Day in communities from coast to coast!
2. The Socio-Economic Burden of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
PHA Canada and Canadian VIGOUR Centre have conducted a survey on the socio-economic burden of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The findings reveal significant disruptions to quality of life and major medical and socioeconomic consequences for PAH patients.
3. PHA Canada holding awareness days on Parliament Hill
On May 6th & 7th, representatives of PHA Canada were on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to raise awareness with officials and parliamentarians of the challenges faced by Canadians affected by PAH and to urge them to move ahead quickly with the provinces to allocate the new funding promised for rare disease medicines through the National Strategy for Rare Disease Drugs.
Thank you to the following government and elected officials for the opportunity to discuss the challenges experienced by our community:
- Francesco Sorbara - MP for Vaughan-Woodbridge
- Tracy Gray, MP for Kelowna - Lake Country
- Ekateryna Nova, Senior Policy Advisory, Minister's Office
- Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia - Senator for Newfoundland and Labrador
- MP Robert Morrissey - Member of Parliament
- MP Vance Badawey - Niagara Centre
- Daniel MacDonald - Director General, Drugs for Rare Diseases, Health Canada
These discussions are crucial in improving access to care and treatments for Canadians with PAH. Let's continue to advocate together to make a difference!
View World PH Day photos and media coverage from past years: