Help us make World Heart Day more impactful in 2021 – check out the new campaign playbook, print out our leaflet on CVD prevention, and download the social media graphics to help us reach as many people as possible. To close the gap and give everyone in the world the same chance to fight cardiovascular disease, we must connect every heart, so start spreading the word!

More than 4,300 patients are now participanting in the first global study that examines the link between CVD and COVID-19 with a particular focus on impacts in LMICs. Data from the first 2,500 participants are being analysed with plans to announce initial findings at the European Society of Cardiology Congress this August. The target participation is set at 5,000 and the number to date reflects a wide geographic scope from sites across 23 countries.

The World Health Organization has launched a list of priority medical devices for management of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, which will help policymakers and healthcare providers prioritize the selection and procurement of medical devices for these health conditions. It includes more than 500 devices that are required at all levels of the health system, from primary care facilities to highly specialized hospitals.

Following courses on CVD and stroke prevention and cancer, this month NCD Academy has launched a new course on mental health. Mental Health Care: Increasing Awareness, Erasing Stigmas is a free continuing education initiative for frontline health workers. Led by the American College of Cardiology, in partnership with WHF and NCD Alliance, courses are designed to support learning of frontline health workers in key areas of the NCD response.

Many countries are making progress in the fight against tobacco, but a new World Health Organization report shows some are not addressing emerging nicotine and tobacco products and failing to regulate them. For the first time, the 2021 report presents new data on electronic nicotine delivery systems, such as ‘e-cigarettes’. 

This year, NCD Alliance is focusing their Global Week for Action on NCDs (6-12 September) on the power of communities to work together towards driving change and co-creating healthier environments. With designs to create everything from badges to flags to t-shirts and umbrellas, you can choose the products that are most appealing for your community.

Chronic kidney disease causes substantial global morbidity and increases cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, so identifying and treating it early is a worldwide imperative. The ISN-KDIGO CKD Early Identification and Intervention Toolkit helps bring healthcare professionals a step closer to this goal, with quick guides and infographics, teaching tools for healthcare teams and patient resources.

The RHD Support Group-Uganda Heart Institute, with the support of WHF, has produced a video to raise awareness of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and give voice to people living with the disease, their caregivers and the community at large. The support group also aims to create a platform so people living with RHD in Uganda can support each other emotionally.

Join us for our new Meet & Share on 30 August and explore the advantages of using social media to create a unique brand voice, interact with your community and drive awareness to your cause. 

Observed every year on 12 August, International Youth Day is an opportunity to celebrate and mainstream young peoples’ voices, actions and initiatives, as well as their meaningful and equitable engagement. The majority of challenges humanity currently faces, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change require global action and the engagement and participation of young people to be addressed effectively.

Celebrated every year on 19 August, World Humanitarian Day is directed towards honoring humanitarian efforts worldwide and propagating the idea of supporting people in crisis. This year World Humanitarian Day comes as the world continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and we honour all aid and health workers who continue, despite the odds, to provide life-saving support and protection to people most in need.