From the WHO African Region to the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs: WHF’s Key Priorities for Cardiovascular Health

This statement was delivered by Dr. Lilian Mbau, our Advocacy Committee member for AFRO, at the Seventy-Fifth Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, under agenda item 16.9 – Progress Report on the Regional Framework for Integrating Essential Noncommunicable Disease Services in Primary Health Care

Honourable Chair,

Distinguished Delegates,

The World Heart Federation applauds Members States for the strides made in the implementation of the Regional Framework for Integrating Essential NCD Services in Primary Health Care. However, we note with concern that none of the 2025 milestones have been achieved. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of NCD-related morbidity and mortality in Africa.

WHF calls on Member States to:

1. Support the expansion of hypertension treatment to 500 million more people globally by 2030, aiming for 50% hypertension control through strengthened primary health care;
2. Establish sustainable financing for cardiovascular disease, including mobilization of domestic resources to support capacity building, strengthen infrastructure, and improve supply of essential medicines at primary health care level;
3. Implement fiscal policies with at least 50% excise tax on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages; and
4. Adopt and implement the WHO 2021 Global Air Quality Guidelines.

Thank you.