Asia-Pacific Heart Summit in Bangkok confronts public and policy awareness of cardiovascular disease

The summit highlights the pressing need to address the low levels of awareness despite the devastating impact of CVD

The Asia-Pacific Heart Summit was recently held in Bangkok. The summit witnessed over 100 delegates from across the region confront the urgent need for greater public and policy awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in the Asia-Pacific.

Co-hosted by the Thailand Ministry of Public Health-Department of Medical Services (MOPH-DMS), the National Health Security Office (NHSO), and the Asia-Pacific Cardiovascular Disease Alliance, the summit highlights the pressing need to address the low levels of awareness despite the devastating impact of CVD.

Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, Director General, Department of Medical Services Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, emphasised the implementation of a seamless healthcare service which encompasses four key activities for promoting health literacy and CVD prevention.

The summit also emphasised the importance of developing cohesive CVD strategies and integrating innovative national policies inclusive of digital technologies, as well as sustainable healthcare financing to combat CVD effectively. Japan's Cerebrovascular and Cardiovascular Disease Control Act is presented as a model, showing how policy innovation can drive improvements in public health systems across the region.

Discussions will also focus on developing sustainable financing mechanisms to ensure equitable access to care, prioritising the needs of high-risk populations. Although both men and women are affected by CVD, the impact on women is frequently under-recognised, and treatment solutions are often not designed with their specific needs in mind. It is crucial to build gender-responsive strategies that address the unique barriers women face in CVD diagnosis and care, while also acknowledging the differences in how the disease affects men and women.

Dr Panthep Khananuraksa, National Health Security Office, Thailand, reinforced their commitment to creating lasting change, "Despite the enormous toll CVD takes on lives, there is still a gap in public understanding and policy focus. Cardiovascular disease, including stroke and ischemic heart disease (IHD), is responsible for the highest number of CVD-related deaths in Thailand.

Dr N Krishna Reddy, CEO, ACCESS Health International and a representative of the Asia-Pacific Cardiovascular Disease Alliance, highlighted, "As we gather at the Asia-Pacific Heart Summit, we are not just discussing cardiovascular disease; we are charting a new course for comprehensive care. CVD requires an all-hands-on-deck, multi-stakeholder approach. Everyone has a role to play—from governments and civil society organizations to the private sector and healthcare industry across the region. Our collective efforts in prevention, treatment, and policy will shape a future where cardiovascular health is prioritized and accessible for all."