Prioritizing Cardiovascular Health and NCDs in Emergency Settings

This statement was delivered by Prof. Julie Redfern, WHF Board Member, under Agenda Item 14.1 - WHO's Work in Health Emergencies - at the Seventy-Ninth World Health Assembly.

Honourable Chair,

Distinguished Delegates,

People Living with Noncommunicable Diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease, face significant challenges in emergency settings due to strained health systems and disrupted services.

Shifting priorities and limited access to care, among other factors, contribute to preventable NCD-related morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries, which bear the greatest burden of humanitarian crises. In fact, NCD complications occur two to three times more frequently in emergencies, with considerably higher rates of premature mortality.

We urge Member States to:

1. Prioritize people living with NCDs in health emergencies and elevate NCDs within health security agendas;
2. Integrate essential NCD services into emergency preparedness, response, and recovery plans; and
3. Strengthen primary healthcare and universal health coverage to build resilient, inclusive systems that ensure continuous, equitable NCD prevention, treatment, and care, with financial protection.

Thank you.