Addis ababa: Ethiopia has called for stronger cooperation, investment, and innovation to address the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in Africa and build sustainable systems for quality cardiovascular care. The call was made during the Joint Scientific Congress of the Ethiopian Society of Cardiac Professionals and the Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR) 2026, currently underway in Addis Ababa.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Professor Sileshi Garoma, a representative of the Ministry of Health, emphasized that the meeting provides an essential opportunity for Africa to establish a collective response to cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases. He noted that cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death globally, significantly impacting low-and middle-income countries, including African nations.
Professor Sileshi highlighted that many cardiovascular deaths can be prevented through effective public health policies, early detection, and timely access to quality healthcare. He stated that Ethiopia is strengthening primary healthcare, expanding non-communicable disease services, increasing the training of specialized health professionals, and investing in tertiary healthcare services. However, challenges such as limited access to timely diagnosis, advanced cardiac interventions, surgery, and long-term follow-up care remain. He underscored the need for partnerships among governments, professional societies, academic institutions, development partners, and the private sector to address these challenges effectively.
Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR) President, Professor Habib Gamra, stated that the congress reflects a shared commitment to improving cardiovascular health across Africa and beyond. He mentioned that cardiovascular diseases are among Africa's major health challenges but also present an opportunity to strengthen health systems, promote prevention, advance research, and ensure equitable access to quality cardiovascular care. Professor Gamra emphasized that solutions will emerge from strong networks built on trust, science, partnership, and a shared vision.
Dr. Natnael Taye, President of the Ethiopian Society of Cardiac Professionals, noted that Africa is making progress in expanding specialized cardiovascular services, strengthening local training and research, adopting digital health technologies, and building partnerships. He outlined three key priorities for sustainable cardiovascular care: improving the quality of services, expanding equitable access, and strengthening Africa as a destination for high-quality cardiovascular treatment. Dr. Taye called for investment in skilled professionals, centers of excellence, and regional cooperation, stressing the importance of ensuring that access to quality cardiovascular care is not determined by geographical location.
The three-day meeting, held under the theme 'From Scarcity to Sustainability in Cardiovascular Care in Africa,' has brought together health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and partners to discuss ways of improving cardiovascular care across the continent. The meeting is expected to contribute to discussions toward the Addis Ababa Communiqu© on Cardiovascular Care in Africa, aimed at strengthening prevention, access to quality services, health workforce development, and research collaboration.