EHN Statement on Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience in the WHO European Region 2024-2029

The European Heart Network (EHN) and World Heart Federation (WHF) have expressed strong support for the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Strategy for the WHO European Region 2024–2029 (Preparedness 2.0) during the Seventy-Fourth Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.

The organisations emphasise the importance of maintaining essential health services during emergencies, particularly for individuals living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease. They highlight that 60–90% of COVID-19-related deaths were linked to NCD comorbidities, underscoring the need for effective strategies.

EHN and WHF urge Member States to endorse the Preparedness 2.0 strategy and:

1. Recognise individuals with cardiovascular disease as a vulnerable population in emergencies.
2. Increase resources for NCDs by implementing the WHO NCDs Best Buys.
3. Ensure equitable access to essential health services during health emergencies, with a focus on primary care and the well-being of health workers.

They also stress the importance of advancing Universal Health Coverage to promote resilience against future health threats.