On Saturday, May 25, 2024, the World Heart Federation recognized exceptional contributions to cardiovascular health at the World Heart Awards during the Gala Dinner of the World Heart Summit. These prestigious awards honor individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the fight against cardiovascular disease and the promotion of heart health worldwide. The awards recognize the dedication and commitment to reducing the global burden of cardiovascular disease, applauding the efforts of all the winners for their invaluable contributions.
In category individual awards:
WHF LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Dr. Valentin Fuster, President of Mount Sinai Heart and Physician-in-Chief of The Mount Sinai Hospital, received the WHF Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Fuster has held numerous prestigious positions, including President of the American Heart Association and President of the World Heart Federation. His research has significantly advanced the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, earning him accolades such as the Prince of Asturias Award and the Grand Prix Scientifique of the Institute of France.
WHF ADVOCACY AWARD IN CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Dr. Adriana Blanco Marquizo, head of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, received the Advocacy Award for her significant efforts in tobacco control. Her work has been instrumental in reducing tobacco use and its associated health risks, particularly in the Americas, where she has supported numerous countries in implementing effective tobacco control measures.
BEST GLOBAL HEART JOURNAL PAPER
Dr. Andriany Qanitha, from Hasanuddin University in Indonesia, was recognized for her outstanding research paper in the Global Heart Journal. Her work on stable and acute coronary artery disease in Indonesia has provided valuable insights into cardiovascular health and disease management in the region.
In addition to individual accolades, several organizations were recognized for their outstanding campaigns:
BEST PREVENTION CAMPAIGN
The Heart Fund‘s program to improve cardiovascular health in rural Côte d’Ivoire received the Best Prevention Campaign Award. The jury was particularly impressed with the reach and the impact of the program, with 6 departments targeted, 5400 km travelled, 18 villages visited, 5’637 beneficiaries of a cardiology consultation, 99% of which had never seen a cardiologist before, and display campaign in schools and medical centers for 320’000 residents.
MOST CREATIVE CAMPAIGN
Throughout the month of September 2023, the Healthy Heart Happy Life Organization in Bangladesh undertook a comprehensive health campaign aimed at promoting heart health and well-being in the community. The campaign included a range of activities, from free health services to CPR training and a social media awareness campaign. On the eve of World Heart Day, the organization organized a series of impactful events, including a vibrant cycle rally through the heart of Dhaka.
BEST VIDEO CAMPAIGN
The International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR) won the Best Video Campaign for their series of videos released for World Heart Day 2023.The objective of their campaign was to increase knowledge about cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and its importance for those living with cardiovascular disease. Not knowing about the importance of CR and low referral rates to this service are the main barriers to CR participation. This video campaign was in line with World Heart Day global theme 2023 “USE HEART KNOW HEART.
MOST INSPIRING WORLD HEART DAY CAMPAIGN
The Afghanistan Cardiovascular Association’s (ACA) World Heart Day campaign 2023 aimed at promoting cardiovascular health among the Afghan population. An event took place in Kabul on 29 September, gathering members of the ACA, the Ministry of Public Health, cardiac patients and their relatives, medical students, social workers and the media. The event sought to shed light on the specific cardiovascular health challenges faced by Afghanistan, including risk factors, the importance of a healthy lifestyle, disease prevalence, challenges, and potential solutions. Complimentary heart health checks and informative symposia, mouth heightening and teeth brushing sessions for school students, group walking sessions were organised.
These awards celebrate the creativity, dedication, and impact of campaigns that raise awareness and promote heart health globally.
For more details on the awardees and their contributions, visit the [World Heart Federation Awards page]
