Perspectives for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Africa: The Sousse’ Declaration 2018

Report from the inaugural Africa Heart Network (AHN) and 3rd Tunisian Heart Foundation Meeting: Sousse, Tunisia in 2018 The global burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to grow and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Due to the burden of infectious diseases within Africa, CVD and the prevention thereof has often been overlooked by many national governments and organizations. However, it has been noted that of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs), CVD is the leading cause of death and disability accounting for more than 17.7 million deaths annually.1 Globally, deaths from NCDs are expected to increase by 17% over the next 10 years; the greatest effect being felt within the African region with an increase in CVD mortality of 27%. Moreover, the WHO projects that by the year 2030, NCDs will overtake all other causes of death in all regions of Africa.2 With the rising epidemic of CVD, the AHN was founded in 2001. The AHN is a coalition of various national heart foundations and cardiovascular societies working towards an aim of improved cardiovascular health for all citizens of Africa. The vision of the society is to play a leading role in the prevention and reduction of the burden related to CVD, including heart disease and stroke, so that it will no longer be the major cause of premature death and disability throughout Africa. The AHN, as like its constituent national foundations and organizations provide a platform for addressing CVD issues in Africa.