WHF launched its first formal petition, calling on leaders around the world to prioritise heart health in 2025 and commit to Action Plans that would drive progress. The petition was the pivot for action during the year’s packed health agenda. We extend our thanks to everyone who supported, shared, and added their name to the fight against CVD through this petition, and to those who contributed personal stories of the life-changing impact of CVD, the world’s leading cause of death. Your stories remain part of our mission and our work.
Together, the efforts of our international healthcare community and the momentum generated by the petition helped to elevate cardiovascular health on the global agenda and strengthen our collective voice for change: on 27th March, we marked the inaugural World Adherence Day, highlighting the importance of treatment adherence; and on 29th September, we celebrated World Heart Day with the powerful message ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’. That same month, global leaders convened at the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), reinforcing the urgent need for action on NCDs, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) at the forefront of discussions.
The tireless efforts of heart health advocates around the world resulted in milestone achievements. The formal adoption of the EU Safe Hearts Plan, in line with our petition objectives, has secured political commitment across Europe to prevention, early detection, and care. In addition, the UN Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health, passed overwhelmingly by the UN General Assembly, has paved the way for accelerated, measurable global progress on specific objectives related to the prevention and management of cardiovascular health.
As we look ahead to 2026 and an ambitious new phase of advocacy, we will continue to campaign determinedly to ensure equitable access to lifesaving medication and treatment for CVD for every person, everywhere. Doubling the number of people treated for high blood pressure alone could save as many as 130 million lives by 2050. Stay tuned – exciting new initiatives are on the horizon, and we look forward to taking more actions together to progress heart health in 2026 and beyond.