This October, Rio de Janeiro will be the stage of one of the largest and most important cardiology events of the year: the 77th Brazilian Congress of Cardiology together with the World Congress of Cardiology, organized by the Brazilian Society of Cardiology in partnership with the World Heart Federation. Register now to join us in Brazil and discover the latest in global cardiovascular health.

WHF brought CVD to the forefront of global health policy at the 150th session of the WHO Executive Board (EB150). From 24-29 January, Member States engaged in discussion to agree upon the agenda and resolutions that will be considered by the World Health Assembly in May. WHF submitted a statement related to CVD and the Draft Action Plan on Reducing the Harmful Use of Alcohol. We also led a Constituency Statement with the GCCH on Emergency Preparedness and Response.

We are thrilled to welcome three new Members to the World Heart family: Ghanaian Society of Cardiology (Ghana), Hearts4heart (Australia) and Reach (Switzerland). WHF Members have privileged access to the largest international network of global cardiovascular health leaders and stakeholders, sharing best practice and seeing their organization – and their members – recognized internationally. Click here to learn more about WHF Membership and its special benefits.

Last September, RAFAM Argentina celebrated World Heart Day and World Heart Week by organizing several events with activities geared towards the older population – a population that is especially vulnerable to cardiovascular disease. The campaign, which highlighted the importance of the role of physical activity for heart health, received support from the World Heart Federation through the World Heart Grants Programme.

The Waterfalls Global Award initiative invites organizations and individuals from across the world to nominate health professionals who went above and beyond in their service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nominations are open to individuals who are health staff or volunteers professionally linked to the fields of health and humanitarian. Professional organizations should be registered and may be from the public and private sector. Apply by 10 February.

About 6 to 7 million people worldwide are estimated to be infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. This disease requires a multidisciplinary approach in order to achieve greater progress in diagnosis and treatment, vector control, public health policies and the dissemination of knowledge among affected communities. To contribute to this advance, ISGlobal invites you to participate in the XVII Workshop on Chagas Disease on 14-15 March 2022.

Heart Valve Awareness Day, celebrated every year on 22 February, aims to increase recognition of the specific risks and symptoms of heart valve disease, as well as improve detection and treatment. While heart valve disease can be disabling and deadly, available treatments can save lives, making awareness particularly important.

Rare Disease Day is the globally-coordinated movement on rare diseases, working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease. Observed every year on 28 February (or 29 in leap years), Rare Disease Day has played a critical part in building an international rare disease community that is multi-disease, global, and diverse.