World Heart Federation
79th WHA Individual Statements
Honourable Chair,
Distinguished Delegates,
People living with NCDs, 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 LMICs, which bear the greatest burden of humanitarian crises. 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 PHC and UHC to build resilient, inclusive systems that ensure continuous, equitable NCD prevention, treatment, and care, with financial protection.
Thank you.