As the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) convenes in Geneva, the World Heart Federation is hosting a series of events to address the global burden of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease remains the world’s leading cause of death, claiming over 20 million lives every year, most in low- and middle-income countries. Despite proven prevention and treatment strategies, barriers like insufficient funding and policy gaps persist. Our sessions will explore bold solutions to close these gaps, from strengthening national action plans to expanding access to life-saving treatments.
📍 When: 18–19 May
📍 Where: École Hôtelière de Genève – Restaurant Vieux Bois
📍 Where: École Hôtelière de Genève – Restaurant Vieux Bois
Addressing obesity to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease
18 May 2026 7:30-9:30
This side event aims to underscore the urgent need to better integrate obesity within cardiovascular health strategies as part of broader efforts to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease. It will provide a timely platform to explore practical, system-wide approaches to prevention, risk management, and policy action. By fostering collaboration between policymakers, clinicians, public health experts, and key stakeholders, we aim to catalyse sustained action to address obesity and improve cardiovascular health outcomes worldwide.
Closing the gap in cardiovascular health: Delivering prevention through national plans, primary care, and integrated action
18 May 2026 12:00-14:30
This side event aims to underscore the urgent need to strengthen primary health care as the foundation for preventing and managing cardiovascular disease and related noncommunicable diseases. It will provide a timely platform to explore practical approaches for improving screening and early detection, advancing integrated service delivery, and supporting implementation through national cardiovascular health plans. By fostering collaboration between policymakers, clinicians, public health experts, and key stakeholders, we aim to catalyse sustained action to build more effective, equitable, and resilient health systems worldwide.
