+880 1834 61 00 28 ipdi.helo@gmail.com

Unlocking Hearts: Paving the Path to Universal Cardiovascular Health Coverage for a Healthier World

Unlocking Hearts: Paving the Path to Universal Cardiovascular Health Coverage for a Healthier World” – World Heart Federation Advocacy on UHC Day 2023

In this powerful statement, the urgent need for addressing cardiovascular disease (CVD) within the framework of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is emphasized. Despite global reductions, CVD remains a significant global threat, with 80% of related deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The article underscores the disparities in accessing essential CVD services, especially in LMICs, and the impact of such inequities on individuals and communities.

The text highlights the insufficient access to inexpensive and effective interventions for CVD in LMICs, particularly in the case of hypertension screening and treatment. It stresses that health is a fundamental human right and calls for prioritizing CVD in national UHC strategies. The inadequacy of health expenditures, particularly the recommended 5% of GDP, is noted, affecting progress towards UHC and contributing to CVD morbidity and mortality. Despite the potential of primary health care (PHC) in reducing CVD burden, there is a lack of adequate funding, as learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The article urges global collaboration to include CVD in national UHC strategies and emphasizes a policy brief by the World Heart Federation and the Global Coalition for Circulatory Health. The brief calls for concrete actions to expand CVD services globally by 2030, aiming to reduce the financial burden on individuals. Strengthening PHC is proposed as a crucial step to make CVD services accessible to all. The need for evidence-based, cost-effective interventions is highlighted, including screenings and continuous treatment for hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, coupled with lifestyle counseling.

The World Heart Federation’s commitment to supporting members and advocating for greater CVD attention is emphasized. The article encourages a global scale-up of efforts to reduce CVD care gaps, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing CVD management within UHC. The ultimate goal is to pave the way for a healthier, more equitable world where quality healthcare is a universal right, not a privilege.

Source: https://world-heart-federation.org/news/cardiovascular-health-and-universal-health-coverage/


© IPDI Foundation. All Rights Reserved. Developed by Klay Technologies