This statement was delivered by the World Heart Federation under agenda item 15.1 – Strengthening Rehabilitation in Health Systems – at the Seventy-Ninth World Health Assembly
Honourable Chair,
Distinguished Delegates,
Rehabilitation is an essential health service that delivers evidence-based, cost-effective interventions to reduce recurrent events and hospitalisations as well as supports individuals to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives.
In this context, the World Heart Federation calls for “cardiac rehabilitation” to be reframed as a broader approach to lifelong cardiovascular health: One that provides ongoing, person-centred care and ongoing support for people living with cardiovascular disease.
Yet, we note with concern that access remains limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
As such, we urge Member States to:
- Ensure availability, affordability, and equitable access to quality and timely cardiovascular rehabilitation across the continuum of care and at all levels of the health system including in local communities; and
- Integrate cardiovascular rehabilitation into NCD strategies, universal health coverage, primary healthcare, and emergency preparedness plans.
Thank you.