Advancing Universal Health Coverage for Cardiovascular Health in Africa

WHF Communications department August 31, 2026

Topics: Universal Health Coverage

This statement was delivered by Prof. Fastone Goma under Agenda Item 10 – Strategy for Financing the Future of Health in the WHO African Region, 2026-2035 – at the Seventy-Sixth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa

Honourable Chair,

Distinguished Delegates,

Cardiovascular disease imposes a significant economic burden on individuals and households in the African region. As such, universal health coverage is critical to ensure equitable and widespread access to essential cardiovascular health services.

To achieve UHC, health systems must be built on a foundation of sustainable financing, strengthened primary healthcare, and robust cross-sector collaboration. Therefore, we urge Member States to adopt and implement the Strategy. In particular:

Accelerate progress towards UHC through robust and well-financed PHC systems that ensure accessibility, affordability, quality, and equity;
Integrate evidence-based and cost-effective cardiovascular interventions into national UHC benefit packages, drawing from WHO’s NCD Best Buys; and
Develop or strengthen National Cardiovascular Health Plans to secure sustainable funding and expand access across the continuum of cardiovascular care, drawing from WHF’s Framework for a Cardiovascular Health Action Plan.

Thank you.