SAFE has signed a joint statement (16 June 2021) calling on the EU to develop a comprehensive EU plan on cardiovascular disease (CVD). Strokes and heart attacks are cardiovascular events and are the leading cause of death in Europe.
The signatory organisations jointly call for a comprehensive EU policy response to address the increasing burden of cardiovascular disease and ensure that citizens can live longer, healthier lives and enable them to continue to contribute to society and the economy.
After a decline in mortality over the past several decades, the numbers are rising again. CVD is linked to health inequalities, be it between geographies or be it by gender. Impacting people of all ages and is set to increase as Europe’s population is ageing.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the situation, affecting diagnosis and treatment.
Through an EU-wide CVD Plan, ambitious incentives and measures should be implemented across prevention, screening, early detection, access to treatment and rehabilitation to keep people in good health and optimise their quality of life. This will strengthen the resilience at the population level, whilst making efficient use of healthcare resources.
The signatory organisations jointly call on EU decision-makers to develop an EU Plan on CVD to ensure that European citizens live longer, healthier lives – regardless of their gender, or where they were born or live in the EU – and enable them contributing to society and the economy. Thus, ensure more Health Equity across the EU.
The undersigned organisations stand ready to collaborate with EU institutions and national governments to develop and implement such a plan to address the burden of cardiovascular disease.
LIST OF SIGNATORIES:
International Association of Mutual Benefit Societies (AIM)
European Trade Association representing the medical imaging, radiotherapy, health ICT and electromedical industries (COCIR)
European Chronic Disease Alliance (ECDA)
European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries Associations (EFPIA)
European Heart Network (EHN)
European Kidney Health Alliance (EKHA)
European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
European Confederation of Pharmaceuticals Entrepreneurs (EUCOPE)
The European FH Patient Network (FH Europe)
Global Heart Hub (GHH)
European Trade Association representing the medical technology industries including diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health (MedTech Europe)
Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE)
Read the joint statement here.
