From Declarations to Implementation: Bold Measures to Reduce the Cardiovascular Burden

This statement was delivered by Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, Chair of the WHF Advocacy Committee, under agenda item 6 - Noncommunicable Diseases - at the 158^th session of the WHO Executive Board.

Honourable Chair,

Distinguished Delegates,

The World Heart Federation applauds Member States for the adoption of the Fourth UN Political Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases.

We welcome the three measurable, time-bound global outcome targets, as a critical step towards realizing Sustainable Development Goal target 3.4. Yet, to truly change the trajectory of cardiovascular disease, we urge Member States to implement bolder, evidence-based interventions, including:

1. Treat 500 million more people with hypertension to help achieve 50% global hypertension control by 2030, principally through primary healthcare;
2. Raise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages by at least 50% to reduce consumption and generate revenues for health;
3. Implement the WHO Air Quality Guidelines (2021);
4. Address systemic health inequities and establish sustainable financing structures for cardiovascular disease management; and
5. Commit to a 50% reduction in NCD-related deaths and disability across all age groups by 2050.

Thank you.