EU cardiovascular health plan

As Siemens Healthineers, we welcome the EU initiative on tackling the burden of CVD in the EU. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the European Union, claiming over 1.8 million lives annually and affecting 60 million people. The economic impact is equally alarming, with annual costs reaching 282 billion - 2% of EU GDP- and projected to rise further if no action is taken.

Obesity is recognised as an independent risk factor affecting cardio-kidney-metabolic health. Obesity is considered one of the "demons of hypertension" in the ongoing public health campaign, "Hunting the Silent Killer," conducted by the Croatian Hypertension League.

This feedback is submitted in support of IDF Europes position on the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. I fully endorse their recommendations and would like to highlight the specific situation of young people with type 1 diabetes.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are the most common inherited lipid conditions in Europe. They are major drivers of premature heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases, yet remain largely invisible to citizens and in public health strategies. Around one in 300 people live with FH and one in five with high Lp(a).

Kidney transplantation (KT) remains the optimal treatment for end-stage kidney disease, while it improves quality of life and survival compared to dialysis. KT is firmly established in Croatia. The country has gained international recognition for its high organ donation and transplantation rates.

Terumo Interventional Systems (TIS) welcomes the European Commissions initiative to develop a much-needed EU Cardiovascular Health Plan (CVHP). This forward looking initiative is a vital step towards addressing the profound burden that cardiovascular diseases impose across Europe, from public health, societal and economic perspectives.

We "Europeans for Safe Connections" (ESC) welcome this initiative. The EU cardiovascular health plan aims to improve public health at individual and societal levels, contributing to a reduction in the number of people falling ill with cardiovascular diseases and preventing premature deaths.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

We "Europeans for Safe Connections" (ESC) welcome this initiative. The EU cardiovascular health plan aims to improve public health at individual and societal levels, contributing to a reduction in the number of people falling ill with cardiovascular diseases and preventing premature deaths.

In cardiovascular diseases, treatment saves lives, but without prevention, we cannot achieve major successes and, moreover, treatment is very expensive. Prevention is primarily about preventing diseases from emerging at all. It is a proactive approach to health that gives us control over our common future. Smoking is one of the most serious but also the most easy to influence risk factors.

Filed in Slovak · English published by the European Commission

The Portuguese Directorate-General of Health is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the consultation process on the European Cardiovascular Health Plan, which is an important driver in reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVDs).

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in the EU. The smoking that people do to ingest nicotine is one of the risk factors. Smoking and the reduction of harm caused by smoking should therefore be included in the cardiovascular health plan. Scientific evidence shows that nicotine dependence is as strong as that of drugs such as heroin and cocaine.

Filed in Latvian · English published by the European Commission

In Sweden, mortality from myocardial infarction and stroke has fallen drastically in the past few decades, due to life-style changes and medical innovation. This work must continue but now is also the time to improve the outcomes in rarer, often hereditary, CV diseases that also in total affect many people both in mortality and morbidity.

Smoking is very harmful, with a high risk of serious, often fatal, illnesses for smokers. In 2023 alone, an estimated 330 000 men died in 35 + as a result of smoking in the EU (see attached report). The main causes of death were lung, circulatory, heart and cancer diseases. Member States and the EU have long tried to combat smoking through higher taxes, bans and information measures under various tobacco directives.

Filed in Swedish · English published by the European Commission

There are two main points that we propose to integrate in the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan: 1. Citizen and patient-centred approaches: the plan offers a unique opportunity to actively involve citizens and patients in the design, evaluation, and implementation of prevention, early detection, and care programs. They can act as co-creators, shaping interventions based on their lived experiences and priorities.

Sociedad Española de Diabetes - SED supports the position of the International Diabetes Federation Europe (IDFE), an umbrella organisation of 73 national diabetes associations across 26 EU countries, representing both people living with diabetes (PwD) and healthcare professionals (HCPs). We welcome the European Commissions commitment to tackling the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Developing the Heart Failure Nursing Specialist Workforce in Europe A Call to Action by the Irish Association of Heart Failure Nurses 17th September 2025 Background: Around 15 million people in Europe live with heart failure (HF) (1), a figure rising as populations age and chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and obesity become more common.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death and disability in Europe, responsible for an estimated 1.7 million deaths each year and placing a significant and growing burden on individuals, families, and health systems.

WHO/Europe welcomes the European Commissions call for evidence to inform an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in the EU, responsible for 1.7 million deaths annually, with major impacts on morbidity, productivity, and health inequalities.

Alcohol Prevention for a Healthy Generation supports the creation of an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Cardiovascular diseases are the second cause of death in the Netherlands and the main reason for hospitalisation. The Netherlands has 1.7 million people with cardiovascular disease. If we do nothing, there are almost 1 million more in a few years.

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industrys top investors in R&D, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. We welcome the Call for Evidence on the EU Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Plan.

Interventional Radiology (IR) is a cornerstone of modern cardiovascular care, offering minimally invasive, image-guided therapies that have revolutionised the treatment of numerous cardiovascular conditions. Procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, embolization, thrombectomy, and vascular access are essential tools in the management of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), venous thromboembolism, aortic aneurysms, and…

The World Heart Federation welcomes the Commission's initiative to develop an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. The burden of CVD in Europe demands urgent, coordinated, and well-financed action. To be effective, the Plan must strengthen several areas. Primary care should be leveraged as the backbone of CVD prevention and management, with risk factor screening, follow-up, and health checks for all citizens.

23 collaborative health funds in the Netherlands have joined forces to ensure that every child in the Netherlands has the opportunity to grow physically, mentally and socially healthy into a Healthy Generation. If children can grow up well, smoke-free and free from harm from tobacco and related products, alcohol and alcohol harm and unhealthy advertising, with sufficient daily movement and a healthy diet and without…

Filed in Dutch · English published by the European Commission

Response to Call for Evidence on the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan by the Trimbos Institute September, 17, 2025 ABOUT TRIMBOS INSTITUTE The Trimbos Institute provides research, policy, and practice-based advice for professionals on mental health and addiction – including alcohol use – across the life course, and across the promotion, prevention, treatment, and recovery spectrum.

Filed in Dutch · English published by the European Commission

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the EU. Emergency care is the pivotal link between prevention and long-term recovery, yet disparities in access, outcomes, and system readiness persist across Member States. Evidence gaps must be addressed to save lives and reduce inequalities. The emergency care in the EU cardiovascular care pathway as follows: 1.

The Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN International) welcomes the ambition to develop an EU-wide plan to improve cardiovascular health. With a medical network spanning ten countries, including five in the EU, PAN promotes healthy diets to prevent non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Haypp Group is a leading e-commerce retailer for vapes, nicotine pouches and snus. With origins in Sweden and Scandinavia and with extensive experience in pioneering markets, Haypp served more than 1 100,000 active consumers in 2024. As an e-commerce retailer specialising in nicotine products, we are working with age-verification providers to prevent youth accessing the age-gated products that we sell.

Pharma Deutschland strongly welcomes the initiative of the European Commission to establish an EU-wide Cardiovascular Health Plan. Such a strategic framework for prevention, early detection, treatment, and rehabilitation is both timely and necessary.

In this response to the Call for Evidence published by the European Commission in preparation of the upcoming EU cardiovascular health plan, the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology would like to convey the following key messages: 1. Environmental risks are a key determinant of cardiovascular disease and death 2.

MASLD: THE MISSING PIECE IN CARDIOVASCULAR PREVENTION. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is Europes leading cause of death. Yet one highly prevalent condition remains largely unaddressed in prevention guidelines: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

The Council of Occupational Therapists for the European Countries (COTEC) supports the European Commissions Cardiovascular Health Plan and would like to highlight the important role of Occupational Therapists within interprofessional teams. COTEC represents more than 220,000 Occupational Therapists across 33 European Countries.

Please find the revised comments from Finnish Cardiac Society below: Suomen Kardiologisen Seuran vastaus komission julkiseen kuulemiseen EU:n sydän- ja verisuoniterveyden suunnitelmasta Suomen Kardiologisen Seura kannattaa lämpimästi komission aloitetta laatia Euroopan laajuinen sydän- ja verisuoniterveyden suunnitelma.

MedTech Europe welcomes the Commissions development of an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan to tackle the main cause of death in the EU: cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including stroke. Some 60 million Europeans live with CVD. CVD risks are 2-3 times higher for people with diabetes, with obesity being a major driver. Sleep disorders are also a major risk factor.

AIM and its members welcome the European Commission Call for Evidence on an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. AIM brings together solidarity based, not for profit health mutuals and insurers across many Member States. We see every day how cardiovascular disease affects people, workplaces, and public budgets.

We expressly welcome the European Commission's initiative to develop an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. In our view, early detection and prevention play a key role in this endeavour. While effective treatment options already exist, their full potential can only be realised if diseases and risk factors are detected at an early stage.

Behavioural factors, including smoking, are an important risk factor for all cardiological conditions. Therefore, the fight against smoking must be part of any cardiovascular disease project. In 2023, the Polish Parliamentary Research Service asked me to analyse the impact of smoking on the health condition of society and to assess the health and economic effects associated with the possible reduction of addiction.

Filed in Polish · English published by the European Commission

This statement and recommendations from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Public Health and Prevention is to respond to the Call for evidence - Ares(2 025)6517618 to the Initiative EU Cardiovascular Health Plan (CVH Plan). The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) is Norways national public health agency. It plays a central role in disease prevention, health promotion, and preparedness.

Inherited dyslipidemics, in particular family lhypercholesterolaemia (FH) and lipoprotein elevation (a) (Lp (a)), are major but largely invisible threats to cardiovascular health. The moon touches about one in 300 people, the other one in five. These genetic conditions, independent of lifestyle, pose a very high risk of infarction, stroke and premature death.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

The European Society of Neuroradiology (ESNR) welcomes the European Commissions initiative to develop a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. As the leading European society representing the field of neuroradiology, ESNR is committed to advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and research of cerebrovascular diseases, in particular stroke, which remains one of the major causes of mortality and disability across…

Croatian Stroke Society (Hrvatsko društvo za prevenciju moždanog udara) fully supports the development of the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. This plan could save many EU citizens, as it is known that every fourth person will have a stroke during their lifetime. Stroke is the leading cause of physical disability and an important cause of dementia.

High lipoprotein(a), [Lp(a)] is one of the strongest inherited and causal risk factors for cardiovascular disease, affecting one in five Europeans. Despite this prevalence, testing rates remain at only 12%. Most citizens are unaware of their elevated risk, leaving prevention opportunities untapped and healthcare systems burdened by avoidable heart attacks, strokes, and aortic valve disease.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and elevated lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)] are the most common, inherited lipid conditions in Europe. They are major drivers of premature heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases, yet remain largely invisible to citizens and in public health strategies. Around one in 300 people live with FH and one in five with high Lp(a).

We support the European Commissions initiative to develop a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. From Estonias perspective, it is essential that stroke is explicitly included in Estonia, it is one of the leading causes of death and the main cause of disability. Each year, around 4,500 people experience a stroke, and nearly 25,000 live with its consequences.

Our understanding of the epidemiology of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) has largely come from administrative datasets and patient registries, which miss undetected disease. This evidence base has reinforced the notion of CA as a rare disease, defined as a condition affecting 1000 ng/L.

Chronicity Platform: Horizon 2030 (CH2030) welcomes the European Commissions decision to prioritize cardiovascular health by establishing an EU Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Plan. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the EU, with significant social and economic consequences.

Chronic Kidney Disease as an Independent Cardiovascular Risk Factor Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is now widely acknowledged as a significant challenge to public health worldwide. Today, it impacts over 800 million people around the world and stands as the 11th leading cause of death. Since 1990, cases, deaths, and DALYs have all continued to rise.

IDF EUROPE POSITION PAPER Optimising the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan Embedding joined-up thinking on diabetes and other NCDs for better CVD health Yo ur paragraph text Your paragraph text www.idf-europe.org Optimising the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan – Embedding joined-up thinking on diabetes and other NCDs for better CVD health outcomes Executive Summary What is at stake?

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

The Finnish Heart Association warmly welcomes the European Commissions initiative to develop a comprehensive EU-wide plan for cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in both Finland and the EU, and their prevention, early detection, and treatment require coordinated action at all levels.

We strongly support this effort to address the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) across Europe. However, we urge policymakers to explicitly include CVD and comorbidities as a pillar of the plan. CVDs do not occur in isolation, they are intricately linked with a range of other health conditions, including genito-urinary cancers and urological disorders such as bladder problems and erectile dysfunction…

Diabetes Poland supports the position of the International Diabetes Federation Europe (IDFE), an umbrella organisation of 73 national diabetes associations across 26 EU countries, representing both people living with diabetes (PwD) and healthcare professionals (HCPs). We welcome the European Commissions commitment to tackling the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

A proposal highlights the need for early action for early diagnosis, especially structural heart diseases, and stresses the importance of addressing gender inequalities in access to care. The proposals reflect some of the commitments of its resolution and include: introduction of European screening programmes; the development of guidelines for treatment pathways; acceleration of access to therapeutic innovations…

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

The German Viticulture Association (DWV) welcomes the Commission’s initiative to draw up a cardiovascular health plan. Moderate consumption is generally defined as around 20 g/day for women (100 140 g/week) and around 30 g/day for men (150 210 g/week) at 12 non-alcoholic days per week.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

AliveCor commends the efforts to develop a strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk and prevention, support early diagnosis and treatment, and ensure equitable access to care. Making High-Quality, Equitable Heart Care a Reality Across Europe Europes new Cardiovascular Health Plan calls for transformative actionone driven by digital innovation, broader access, and smarter data integration.

In 2022, approx. 1.68 million people in the EU died from cardiovascular diseases (CVD), accounting for 32.7% of all deaths. These diseases remain the leading cause of death in the EU and continue to pose a significant health challenge. A major, preventable risk factor for CVD is tobacco use.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are the most common, inherited lipid conditions in Europe.They are major drivers of premature heart attacks,strokes and other cardiovascular diseases,yet remain largely invisible to citizens and in public health strategies. Around one in 300 people live with FH and one in five with high Lp(a).

September 2025 FoodDrinkEurope’s submission to the Call for evidence on the EU plan for cardiovascular health FoodDrinkEurope, the organisation representing the EU food and drink manufacturing sector, welcomes the opportunity to provide its views on the “call for evidence” on the EU plan for cardiovascular health.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

The International Longevity Centre UK (ILC-UK), the leading authority on the impact of longevity on society, welcomes the European Commissions initiative to develop an EU Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Plan. By 2050, the number of people aged 6574 will rise by 16.6% and those aged 7584 by 56.1%, while populations under 55 will decline by 13.5%.

The Parliamentary Intergroup on Prevention and Risk Reduction was set up in the 19th term of the Italian Parliament and brings together elected parliamentarians and senators with the aim of promoting debate about the need for an integrated and strategic approach to health, placing prevention as a key pillar of the country 's health and social policies.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

We welcome European Commissions initiative for an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan and value the opportunity to provide feedback. The attached paper outlines suggestions for a robust plan and policy recommendations aimed at addressing cardiovascular health challenges in Europe.

Enhancing Hospital Resources through Prevention Author: Paolo Berta, Health Economist (Italy) To the EU Commission, Cardiovascular disease places significant pressure on hospital resources across the EU, with regional disparities in outcomes and capacity expenzation (European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health).

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

The Consumer Choice Center welcomes the opportunity to discuss and provide evidence for tackling cardiovascular health problems. At the same time, we are concerned by the Commissions initial decision to classify alternative nicotine products as cardiovascular risks.

Because of devastating situation with hypertension,dyslipidemia and all other risk factors for cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) health in Croatia, since 2019 the Croatian Hypertension League has been organizing the permanent public health action Hunting the silent killer aiming to increase health literacy and alert politicians and health care authorities.

Cittadinanzattiva (www.cittadinanzattiva.it) is a civic organization founded in 1978 that promotes citizen activism to protect rights, safeguard common goods, and support people in vulnerable conditions in Italy and across Europe. For decades, health has been one of its core areas of work, with a growing focus also on cardiovascular prevention.

The Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists is the statutory professional representation of more than 7,000 pharmacists working in both community pharmacies and hospital pharmacies in Austria. We make a decisive contribution to the protection and promotion of public health in Austria. Ensuring the reliable supply of medicines and medication safety for the population is our highest priority.

NILU on behalf of the European Topic Centre on Human Health and the Environment (ETC HE) under the EEA strongly endorses the European Commissions initiative to develop an EU-wide plan to tackle cardiovascular diseases and improve the cardiovascular health of the European population. The ETC HE comprises several leading research and public institutions in this field.

IDF EUROPE POSITION PAPER Optimising the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan Embedding joined-up thinking on diabetes and other NCDs for better CVD health Yo ur paragraph text Your paragraph text www.idf-europe.org Optimising the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan – Embedding joined-up thinking on diabetes and other NCDs for better CVD health outcomes Executive Summary What is at stake?

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

The Health and Politics Forum welcomes the European Commission's initiative to develop an EU action plan for cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in Europe, and prevention is an important factor in saving lives and improving quality of life. Prevention should encompass both lifestyle and education.

Swedish Society for Diabetology supports the position of the International Diabetes Federation Europe (IDFE), an umbrella organisation of 73 national diabetes associations across 26 EU countries, representing both people living with diabetes (PwD) and healthcare professionals (HCPs). We welcome the European Commission’s commitment to tackling the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

IDF EUROPE POSITION PAPER Optimising the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan Embedding joined-up thinking on diabetes and other NCDs for better CVD health Yo ur paragraph text Your paragraph text www.idf-europe.org Optimising the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan – Embedding joined-up thinking on diabetes and other NCDs for better CVD health outcomes Executive Summary What is at stake?

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Proposal for early adoption of self-applicable ischemia detection devices into the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. The EU cardiovascular health plan aims to help Member States reduce the cardiovascular mortality and morbidity with a focus on the inequalities between regions, population groups and genders.

Hypertension, particularly high systolic blood pressure (BP), is the leading modifiable risk factor and largest contributor for premature cardiovascular (CV) deaths and DALYs worldwide. The WHO has identified it as a major global public health concern, referring to it as the "silent killer." Because of devastating situation in Croatia, since 2019 the Croatian Hypertension League has been organizing the permanent…

The EU Plan has the potential to become a landmark in European health policy. By embedding mental health as a dimension of cardiovascular health and by consistently combining behavioural with structural prevention, the EU can not only reduce premature mortality but also enhance resilience and quality of life of EU citizens across all Member States. The BPtK strongly supports the initiative.

Philips supports the European Commissions intention to tackle the societal and economic burden of cardiovascular diseases in the EU. We welcome the announcement about a future comprehensive and coordinated EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Please see the Philips input to the call for evidence in the attached document.

Suomen Kardiologisen Seuran vastaus komission julkiseen kuulemiseen EU:n sydän- ja verisuoniterveyden suunnitelmasta Suomen Kardiologisen Seura kannattaa lämpimästi komission aloitetta laatia Euroopan laajuinen sydän- ja verisuoniterveyden suunnitelma.

ANIAD, the Italian National Association of Athletes with Diabetes, supports the position of the International Diabetes Federation Europe (IDFE), an umbrella organisation of 73 national diabetes associations across 26 EU countries, representing both people living with diabetes (PwD) and healthcare professionals (HCPs).

**We Are Innovation Feedback on EU Plan for Cardiovascular Health** Cardiovascular disease remains Europe's deadliest challenge. We urge the Commission to recognize that accelerating the decline of cigarette smokingCVD's largest modifiable risk factorrequires complementing traditional tobacco control with innovation-driven harm reduction.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are the most common, inherited lipid conditions in Europe. They are major drivers of premature heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases, yet remain largely invisible to citizens and in public health strategies. Around one in 300 people live with FH and one in five with high Lp(a).

The Stroke Research Group from the Spanish Society of Neurology promotes the EU cardiovascular Health Plan. Vascular diseases, including stroke and cardiovascular conditions, remain leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Their prevention, early detection, and long-term management require more than the expertise of a single medical specialty.

FEDERALIMENTARE’S SUBMISSION TO THE “CALL FOR EVIDENCE” ON THE EU PLAN FOR CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH (SEPTEMBER 2025) Federalimentare, the organisation representing the Italian EU food and drink manufacturing sector, welcomes the opportunity to provide its views on the EU “call for evidence” plan for cardiovascular health.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

We Health Funds for a Smokefree Netherlands welcome the EU initiative to improve cardiovascular health across the EU with the Cardiovascular Health Plan. In the Netherlands, roughly 1.7 million people have cardiovascular disease. This translates to one in five men and one in five women dying as a result of cardiovascular disease.

Many risk factors are shared by cardiovascular disease and cancer, two of the EUs most pressing public health challenges. Preventing disease is essential to saving lives and safeguarding healthcare resources. The Swedish Cancer Societys response to this call for evidence therefore focuses on prevention.

The Community pharmacist is the most accessible healthcare professional for the Spanish population. This is possible thanks to the 22.231 community pharmacies that form a care network present in every corner of the country, ensuring that 99 % of the population have a pharmacy in their municipality of residence. Thanks to this wide coverage, 2.3 million people are served every day by community pharmacies.

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

The Whole Grain Initiative (WGI) ,a special interest group of ICC - International Association for Cereals Science and Technology - welcomes the opportunity to give feedback on the EU Plan for Cardiovascular Health. About the Whole Grain Initiative The Whole Grain Initiative is a worldwide, interdisciplinary collaboration aiming to increase whole grain intake worldwide to promote public health.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in Europe, with over 6 million new cases and 1.7 million deaths annually across EEA member countries. A substantial proportion of this burdenmore than 18% of CVD-related deathsis attributable to environmental risk factors.

The BPI welcomes the EUs plan as a vital step to tackle Europes leading cause of death. By recognising the wide-reaching effects of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the plans three-pillar approach should enable coordinated action, drive innovation and support sustainable care across Member States all key to meeting current and future challenges.

Cardiovascular and neurovascular diseases are part of a common entity. Risk factors and prevention are identical for both. The individual limitations on quality of life and the economic losses of cardiovascular and neurovascular diseases are comparable. The infrastructural effort required to treat both diseases is similar, although both require different specialists and only partially similar technical requirements.

The Guild welcomes the European Commissions initiative to develop a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Plan. Research and innovation (R&I) must be central to addressing challenges related to cardiovascular health, ensuring that Europe has the knowledge, technologies, and infrastructures required for effective prevention, detection, treatment, and long-term care.

Proportionate Risk Regulation: Europes Shortcut to Fewer Heart Attacks The European Unions newly unveiled Cardiovascular Health Plan signals ambition, but ambition alone will not save lives. Cardiovascular disease remains Europe's leading cause of mortality, with prevalence partly driven by lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diets, inadequate physical activity, alcohol and smoking.

2025-09-16 Oatly Feedback on the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the upcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Oatly is the original and leading oat drink company. Ever since the beginning, nutrition and health have been central to our mission.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in Europe and in the EU. Most of them can be prevented by addressing controllable risk factors such as unhealthy diet, tobacco use, physical inactivity, air pollution, and harmful use of alcohol. It is crucial to act on these risk factors as there are also many beyond individual control such as age or genetics.

Resmed welcomes the European Commission's initiative to develop an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, aiming to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Europe. As a leading provider of sleep health solutions and as a member of MedTech Europe and DigitalEurope, we at Resmed strongly believe that sleep health must be systematically integrated into CVD prevention, detection and management frameworks.

I welcome the EUs cardiovascular (CV) health plan. The focus on prevention is excellent as this will be an essential route to address health inequalities (in the EU and globally), especially given the current trend in financial and political challenges society faces.

The CONTRAST consortium, a collaboration of all Dutch comprehensive stroke centres, welcomes this initiative. The strategy across prevention, detection, treatment, care and rehabilitation is essential and long overdue. Stroke accounts for about one third of the global cardiovascular disease burden, yet it is not clearly addressed in the call.

I support IDF Europes position as outlined in the attached position paper. The experience we have in Greece comes from the Prolamvano National Prevention Programme. In response to the urgent need for prevention, the Hellenic Ministry of Health launched the Prolamvano Programme for the Prevention and Control of Cardiovascular Diseases, with funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Greece 2.0.

The German-Polish Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Poland) supports a robust and well-resourced EU CVH Plan as complement to a horizontal approach to tackling Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The EU CVH Plan should set out actions with clear added value which can complement and create synergies between Member State national policies, and include clear objectives and measurable targets, for example by aiming…

Pfizer welcomes the European Commissions initiative to develop a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health Plan (CVH Plan), recognizing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as the leading cause of mortality and a major contributor to healthcare burden across Europe. With over 1.7 million deaths annually and economic costs exceeding 280 billion, the urgency for coordinated EU-level action is clear.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are the most common, inherited lipid conditions in Europe. They are major drivers of premature heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases, yet remain largely invisible to citizens and in public health strategies. Around one in 300 people live with FH and one in five with high Lp(a).

There are numerous foundations and evidence to support the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies to reduce smoking and its health consequences, including guidance for communication with patients and its use in primary care. Smoking is a critical determinant of health in developed countries as it contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. Alternative products, i.e.

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients Associations (EFA) is the voice of 200 million people living with allergy, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Europe. EFA welcomes a proposal for an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, as EU-level action is fundamental to address cardiovascular diseases growing cause of death, disability and loss of productivity in the EU, severely…

Alcohol related harm, including mortality and morbidity, are record high in the EU and cardiovascular disease is the leading category of alcohol attributable mortality. Alcohol consumption is estimated to be responsible for close to 50,000 CVD deaths annually in the EU. Europe has the highest rates of alcohol consumption per person, the highest prevalence of heavy episodic (i.e.

Prevention and Early Diagnosis of Heart Failure in Primary Care 1. Problem Statement Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health crisis in Europe, affecting over 15 million citizens and consuming 12% of healthcare budgets (~23.6 billion annually) (1). Mortality at five years remains 4050% (1), comparable or worse than many cancers (2).

Our submission is on behalf of the European Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (ETHRA). ETHRA is the voice of 27 million EU consumers of safer nicotine products (SNPs). The safer nicotine products we use include vapes, nicotine pouches, snus, and heated tobacco products. ETHRA is a consortium of 24 grassroots consumer associations in 17 European countries, supported by experts in tobacco control and nicotine research.

We welcome the European Commission initiative for addressing cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the leading cause of death in Europe. However, we urge you to focus on empowering citizens, respecting personal choice, and recognizing scientific evidence on relative risks. Smoking causes significant cardiovascular harm due to toxic smoke, not nicotine.

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Roche) welcomes the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, highlighting the crucial role of diagnostics and treatments in improving patient outcomes and alleviating healthcare system pressures. We commend the comprehensive strategies for prevention, detection, diagnosis, management, treatment, and rehabilitation, and the commitment to innovation in reducing CVD impact.

Cardiovascular risk is multifactorial, combining socio-environmental determinants with individual, behavioural and metabolic factors. Strengthen primary prevention and health promotion at all ages. The plan should develop public policies to reduce the transformable risks associated with socio-environmental determinants (tobacco, alcohol, sedentarity, food, air pollution and heat, occupational exposure and health…

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

The Croatian Hypertension League's public health campaign, "Hunting the Silent Killer," describes high salt intake as one of the main contributors to hypertension. Reducing salt intake is recognised as a cost-effective way to improve health and lessen the burden of cardio-kidney-metabolic diseases, all while keeping public healthcare costs down.

The European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) welcomes the Commissions initiative to address cardiovascular disease as a major health burden in Europe. EAHP represents over 30 000 hospital pharmacists across 37 member countries. EAHP represents and develops the hospital pharmacy profession within Europe to ensure the continuous improvement of care and outcomes for patients in the hospital setting.

Physical activity in older non-instutionalized subjects Physical activity is acknowledged in guidelines for its effects on physical, mental, and social health. Nevertheless, people frequently struggle to sustain their involvement in physical activity over extended periods. This is particularly case in older non-institutionalized subjects.

The Lancet Countdown in Europe welcomes the European Commissions work to develop a cardiovascular health plan. We emphasize the importance of developing and monitoring indicators that capture both the impact of climate change on our cardiovascular health and the co-benefits of climate mitigation actions that enhance overall health.

SCD Abstract for EU Cardiovascular Health Plan with References Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is a preventable, high-impact cardiovascular emergency with striking inequities across the EU. CVD causes >1.7 million EU deaths annually and costs ~280282 billion/year [1,2].

Plant-Based Foods Europe, the organisation representing plant-based food manufacturers in Europe, welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the upcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Prevention, including the promotion of healthy diets, can play a valuable role in supporting cardiovascular health.

Croí the Irish heart and stroke charity welcomes the EU Commissions initiative to establish an EU CVH Plan. Working on the frontline of prevention awareness and advocacy Croí urges a Plan that addresses the burden of CVD while closing gaps for high-risk and underserved groups. CVD the EUs leading killer claims 1.7 million lives each year imposing an economic burden of 282 billion.

The German Association of the Tobacco Industry and New Products (BVTE) welcomes the opportunity for public dialogue on future policy measures to address cardiovascular diseases, which remain a leading cause of mortality across Europe.

THE IMPACT OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION ON CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH Alcohol related harm, including mortality and morbidity, are record high in the EU and cardiovascular disease is the leading category of alcohol attributable mortality. Alcohol consumption is estimated to be responsible for close to 50,000 CVD deaths annually in the EU.

Reading correctly the cited publication (Health at a glance 2024 - https://doi.org/10.1787/b3704e14-en), mortality from cardiovascular diseases is responsible for over 1.7 million deaths (or 32% of all deaths) in the EU in 2021. Of these, one-third (11%) (0.6 million deaths) are due to ischemic heart disease and almost one-quarter (7%) (0.4 million deaths) are due to stroke. 1.

The current food environment in the EU is failing citizens. Too often the blame is put on consumers for bad eating choices, but people live in a food environment they cannot escape and that influences their behaviours more than they realise.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in the EU. Tackling this requires a comprehensive EU CVH Plan. By embedding personalised prevention, equitable screening, explainable innovation, and citizen-driven governance, the Plan will not only reduce the CV burden but also close the East-West divide, strengthen health systems, and empower citizens.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the EU, with over 1.7 million annual deaths and costs of ~EUR 280 billion. Smoking combustible tobacco is a major risk factor. While cessation remains the most effective measure, many smokers are unable or unwilling to quit nicotine. For these individuals, tobacco harm reduction (THR) offers an essential, evidence-based complement to cessation.

We welcome the European Commissions ambition to launch a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. This is a crucial step to reduce the human and financial toll of cardiovascular diseases across Europe. The plan should focus on prevention, early detection, and equal access to treatment and care in all Member States.

Dear Madam, Dear Sir, The International Sweeteners Association (ISA) is an international non-profit organisation with scientific aims representing suppliers and users of low/no calorie sweeteners, including tabletop sweetener manufacturers. We thank the European Commission for this opportunity to provide information that can support the development of this important EU cardiovascular plan.

The role of pharmacists in cardio-reno-neuro-metabolic diseases Introduction Pharmacists play a key role in the prevention, treatment, and control of arterial hypertension and all cardio-reno-neuro-metabolic diseases.

The Czech Republic, like many EU countries, is facing rapid population ageing, a rise in chronic diseases and a significant shortage of healthcare professionals, especially nurses. To ensure sustainability of the health and social care system, it is crucial to make better use of existing nursing competences, support prevention and community-based care, and integrate digital technologies and telemedicine in…

Juvenile sudden cardiac death (SCD, < 45 years) has a significant impact in terms of lost life years, and it is justified to consider it a health and social condition of absolute importance. We proposed to the Tuscany Region, Italy, an initiative, finally regulated by a Regional Law (Ref.

On behalf of the Croatian Society for Atherosclerosis and the Croatian Hypertension League, we strongly support the development of an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan and urge the explicit inclusion of dyslipidaemias, particularly elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], as major determinants of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

From Andalusia, we totally support and welcome the launch of the EU plan for cardiovascular health. For us, this is vital given that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among people over 65 in Andalusia (29.7%) and the second leading cause of death among adults aged 15 to 64 (18.9%).

Croatian task force organized by the Croatian Hypertension League suggested Ten-point plan for cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) health.1.Early detection of elevated BP and LDL cholesterol: (i)Introduce regular BP and lipid panel checks in adults at least once a year at the family practice;(ii)Include data in the single CKM panel of the central healthcare information system.2.Changes in poor lifestyle.(i)Change…

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia and elevated lipopretein-a [Lp(a)】are the most common inherited lipid conditions in Europe. They are major drivers of premature heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases, yet remain largely invisible to citizens and in public health strategies. Around one in 300 people live with FH and one in five with high Lp(a).

High Lipotein(a), [Lp(a)] is one of the strongest inherited and causal risk factors for cardiovascular disease, affecting one in five Europeans. Despite this prevalence, testing rates remain at only 12%. Most citizens are unaware of their elevated risk, leaving prevention opportunities untapped and healthcare systems burdened by avoidable heart attacks, strokes, and aortic valve disease.

Building the Case for ASCVD in the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan --- Please refer to the uploaded document for our detailed submission to this call for evidence on cardiovascular health (CVH). Our recommendations draw from extensive consultations with leading cardiologists and patient advocates and MSD's long legacy in providing innovative CVD treatments.

Preventing and removing the main causes of some of the most detrimental forms of cancer should be central to the beating cancer plan. Yet I have seen no such efforts presented in the documents. The smoking of tobacco is widely known to be the main culprit for developing at least 12 types of cancer: cancers of the lung, larynx, oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, stomach, colon and rectum, liver…

As an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and a senior researcher at the Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC) and the Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), of the University of Coimbra, I present this contribution to the European Plan for Cardiovascular Health, based on my scientific, pedagogical and science communication experience spanning more than three decades.

The Societal Impact of Pain (SIP) Platform welcomes the European Commissions initiative on a Cardiovascular Health Plan as an important step to strengthen action on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, we urge the Commission to adopt a more comprehensive approach by recognising that chronic pain is not only a major NCD burden in its own right, but also a significant determinant of cardiovascular outcomes.

The Hungarian Government broadly welcomes the EU cardiovascular health plan, the topic being 2024. It was one of the top health priorities of the Hungarian EU Presidency for the second half. The Hungarian Government is fully committed to the preservation and development of cardiovascular health, and we therefore hope that the spirit and the main orientations of the Council conclusions reached under the Hungarian…

Filed in Hungarian · English published by the European Commission

The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) supports the European Commissions intention to develop an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, recognising this as a critical opportunity to implement actions that deliver tangible benefits for individuals, governments, and stakeholders across the EU.

Feedback on behalf of Stroke Action Plan for Europe National Coordinators for Poland. Subject: Ensuring parity between stroke and myocardial infarction in the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan Core argument: The EU Cardiovascular Health Plan should explicitly treat stroke prevention, detection, treatment, and rehabilitation as co-equal with myocardial infarction (MI) across all action areas, indicators, and funding…

Addressing heart failure is vital for an impactful European Cardiovascular Health Plan. Heart failure (HF) is a major public health challenge across Europe carrying profound economic and social consequences.It is a leading cause of hospitalisation among people over 65 years, and accounts for up to 2% of health system spending.

The Council of European Dentists (CED), representing over 340 000 dentists across Europe, strongly welcomes the European Commissions EU Cardiovascular Health Plan and its efforts to reduce mortality and morbidity rates related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and co-morbidities across Europe.

The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) notes the European Commissions initiative to develop a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health Plan and broadly welcomes an extension of the successful model of disease-focused EU health policy set by Europes Beating Cancer Plan.

J&J welcomes the EU initiative of developing a targeted yet holistic EU Cardiovascular (CV) Health Plan to tackle the main cause of death in the EU and the 282 billion socioeconomic burden (2021 data) associated with CV disease.

1. Prevention the key to reducing the burden of stroke Romania needs a radical shift in the prevention of cerebrovascular diseases. At present, risk factors (high blood pressure, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles) are poorly controlled at the population level. What must be improved: Permanent national education and prevention campaigns, not just occasional ones.

PROPHET a PeRsOnalised Prevention roadmap for the future HEalThcare is consortium consisting of 18 beneficiaries and 2 affiliated entities across 12 EU Countries. PROPHET is funded by Horizon Europe within the context of ICPerMed, the European Parnership on personalized medicine.

Contribution of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology (SPC) 1. Title of Contribution From National to European Action: The SPC Strategic Plan as a Framework for the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan 2. Organisation and Stakeholder Type Organisation: Portuguese Society of Cardiology (SPC) Stakeholder type: National scientific and professional society Country: Portugal 3.

European Nutrition for Health Alliance (ENHA) welcomes the European Commissions initiative to develop a Cardiovascular Health Strategy and urges that nutritional care services be explicitly integrated into its design.

The European Association for the Study of Diabetes e.V. (EASD) welcomes the EU initiative to strengthen cardiovascular health across Europe. However, we strongly recommend that the cardiovascular plan - aiming to improve public health at both individual and societal level - adopt an integrated approach to metabolic diseases, rather than focusing only on the end stage of cardiovascular disease.

As FHEF Ambassador High lipoprotein(a), [Lp(a)] is one of the strongest inherited and causal risk factors for cardiovascular disease, affecting one in five Europeans. Despite this prevalence, testing rates remain only between 1 and 2%.

Acute ischaemic stroke is one of the main causes of death and the first cause of long-term severe disability in Lithuania. Although there is a decline in stroke incidence in many western European countries, more than 9000 new stroke cases are diagnosed each year in Lithuania due to insufficiently adjusted risk factors for stroke.

Filed in Lithuanian · English published by the European Commission

Call for Evidence- EU Cardiovascular Health Plan Petter Ljungman MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Epidemiology, Senior Consultant of Cardiology; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Cardiology, Danderyd University Hospital.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

We propose the Implementation of the Recommendations from the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology, in collaboration with the Portuguese Society of Cardiology and other Scientific Medical Societies (see document title), published in Pulmonology in 2024, titled: Influenza vaccination in older adults and patients with chronic disorders: A position paper from the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology, the Portuguese Society…

Imperial Brands (IMB) Contribution: EU cardiovascular health plan Background: Smoking is a cause of serious diseases in smokers, including heart disease. Complete smoking cessation is the best action adult smokers can take to improve their health.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

My daughter has rare condition called Familial Chylomironaemia Syndome (FCS). She was lucky to get early diagnose. After meeting others with FCS, I have heard so many stories about their sufferings before they finally got diagnosed. Early diagnose gave my daughter better changes to avoid serious health problems. They all deserve this change.

Summary of NIPC Submission to the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan Introduction The National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC) welcomes the European Commissions initiative to develop an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and disability in Ireland, accounting for around one-third of deaths.

The EU Plan for Cardiovascular Health has the potential to transform prevention, detection, and treatment while driving innovation and strengthening the EU health industry. To achieve this equitably, however, cardiovascular research must confront a persistent challenge: the lack of diversity in data and study design.

Novo Nordisk supports an EU Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Plan and welcomes the three key action areas outlined by the Commission. The burden of CVD is driven by multiple risk factors and co-morbid chronic diseases that are often poorly controlled, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)[i].

Butterfly Network, a digital health and medical device company, warmly welcomes the European Commissions initiative to develop a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. We are deeply invested in advancing healthcare accessibility and efficiency. Butterfly Network therefore advocates a paradigm shift in cardiovascular care.

EFPC Feedback on the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan The European Federation of Pharmacy Chains (EFPC) welcomes the Commissions initiative to develop an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality in Europe, and the focus on prevention, early detection and better management is particularly timely.

Sudden Cardiaca death (MSC) a high impact and inequity cardiovascular priority 1) Why EU action is urgent (and brings clear value) Scale and cost: The Commission reports > 1.7 million deaths per year from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the EU and a yearly cost of ~ 280 billion [1]; an economic study in the European Heart Journal estimates 282 billion/year and details the division between healthcare, informal care…

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

Raisio Nutrition Ltd. welcomes the European Commissions forthcoming cardiovascular health plan and the opportunity to contribute evidence. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in Europe, with excessive blood levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) a major, modifiable risk factor.

Medicines for Europe welcomes the ECs initiative to develop a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. The off-patent medicines industry plays a foundational role in cardiovascular care and treatment for millions of patients. 1.

The Bundesverband der Pharmaziestudierende in Deutschland e.V. (BPhD) welcomes this initiative and wishes to stress the relevance of pharmacies in preventing and advising on cardiovascular diseases. The pharmacy provides not only community-based care but also personalised advice to patients without long waiting times or appointments. Pharmacists have sound medical training and extensive knowledge of drug therapy.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

Portugal stroke is an association protagonised by the survivors of stroke, also family members and healthcare professionals. We welcome the non-legislative initiative, which should be referred to as brain cardiovascular health (see WHO ICD11 classification). In fact, the Cerebral Vascular Accident, particularly in Portugal, is the 1th cause of death (see INE statistics) and the 1th cause of disability.

Filed in Portuguese · English published by the European Commission

The Finnish Diabetes Association supports the position of the International Diabetes Federation Europe (IDF Europe), as set out in the attached position paper Optimising the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. We strongly welcome the European Commissions initiative to address cardiovascular disease (CVD) and fully endorse the emphasis on prevention, early detection, management and rehabilitation.

Medtronic, as a global leader in medical technology and an innovator in cardiovascular care, welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. We strongly support the European Commissions ambition to address the growing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Europe and believe that the Plan can drive measurable improvements in prevention, detection, and treatment improving public health…

European (ERC) and German Resuscitation Councils (GRC) call for strong focus on lay resuscitation with early start of resuscitation to save 100,000 lives annually in the upcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Plan The European (ERC) and the German Resuscitation Council (GRC) welcome the European Unions initiative to launch a comprehensive Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Plan.

Menarini welcomes the Commissions initiative to develop a plan for cardiovascular health. An ambitious EU-level strategy is urgently needed to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and ensure equitable access to effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment across Member States.

EU Cardiovascular Health Plan Institution: Local Health Unit Authority ULSS 5 Polesana Veneto Italy Department of Prevention Operative Unit of Hygiene and Public Health Director: Dr. Federica Fenzi (Medical Doctor in PH) Project Scientific Leader: Dr.

The Danish Stroke Association and the Danish Stroke Society believe that the EU CVH plan is a significant step forward for health in the EU, but we find it important that cerebral stroke is also included in the plan. In the vast majority of cases stroke is caused by cardiovascular disease, and prevention, management and rehabilitation/life after stroke should therefore be included in the CVH -plan.

Heart children and adults are a patient organisation of people with congenital heart failure and hereditary heart disease and their close relatives. The FMA’s activities target children, adolescents and adults with congenital heart disease, as well as persons and entities working with their family members and patient groups.

Filed in Finnish · English published by the European Commission

Approximately 60 million people are currently affected by cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) throughout the European Union. In 2019, an estimated 53 million individuals were living with CVDs, underscoring the extensive and profound reach of these conditions. Beyond causing significant mortality, CVDs often result in prolonged disability, leaving many to endure years of chronic illness and reduced quality of life.

The EU cardiovascular health plan aims to improve public health at individual and societal levels, contributing to a reduction in the number of people falling ill with cardiovascular diseases and preventing premature deaths. This objective is pursued by addressing known risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and other related comorbidities. However, E.S.C.

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) supports the European Commissions initiative to establish an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. As a global leader in molecular and systems medicine, we contribute unique expertise in cardiovascular biology, artificial intelligence (AI) and data science as well as translational pipelines.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death and disability in the European Union. Statistics show 1.68 million deaths in 2022, representing 32.7 % of all deaths. These diseases are largely driven by or caused by modifiable clinical risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes, which in turn are influenced by risky behaviours, based on poor nutrition (the factors of…

Filed in Portuguese · English published by the European Commission

We welcome the European Commissions upcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. We suggest focusing on addressing the root causes and specific vulnerabilities of different socio-demographic groups while avoiding a prohibitionist approach.

The International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) is an umbrella association that empowers physical activity and grassroots sports stakeholders to get more people active and healthy. ISCAs 100+ member organisations (70+ in the EU) have an estimated 40 million members.

For Your Freedom is Latvias only NGO dedicated to raising awareness about the harms of alcohol and changing public attitudes towards its use. Alcohol is a major cause of heart disease and stroke, the leading killers in Latvia. Our country has one of the highest rates of alcohol-related cardiovascular deaths in the world.

The Belgian Heart League strongly welcomes the European Commissions initiative to develop a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death in Europe and place an enormous burden on citizens, families, healthcare systems and national budgets. Based on our expertise and national experience, we recommend the following priorities: 1.

Strong Support for the Brussels International Declaration on Lp(a) Testing and Management One of the biggest tragedies we experience in our health care systems are the missed opportunities in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Delayed diagnoses of conditions that causally contribute to cardiovascular disease results in a delay of decades of preventive measures.

As a diabetologist practicing in Cyprus, I fully support the European Commissions initiative to develop a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are deeply interconnected, and addressing one without the other risks missing a critical opportunity to improve outcomes across both domains.

Cardiovascular risk is multifactorial, combining socio-environmental determinants with individual, behavioural and metabolic factors. Strengthen primary prevention and health promotion at all ages. The plan should develop public policies to reduce the transformable risks associated with socio-environmental determinants (tobacco, alcohol, sedentarity, food, air pollution and heat, occupational exposure and health…

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

Croí, the Irish Heart and Stroke Charity, welcomes the European Commissions initiative to establish a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health Plan and strongly supports the prioritisation of inherited lipid disorders, notably familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], as key areas for coordinated EU action.

On behalf of Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Portugals national public health institute, we subscribe the urgent need for a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Plan. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death in the European Union, responsible for more lives lost annually than any other condition. They are, however, largely preventable.

Cardiovascular risk is multifactorial, combining socio-environmental determinants with individual, behavioural and metabolic factors. Strengthen primary prevention and health promotion at all ages. The plan should develop public policies to reduce the transformable risks associated with socio-environmental determinants (tobacco, alcohol, sedentarity, food, air pollution and heat, occupational exposure and health…

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

EU Cardiovascular Health Action Plan Feedback from the Czech Chamber of Commerce The Czech Chamber of Commerce welcomes the opportunity to comment on the EU Cardiovascular Health Action Plan. You can find the comments of our members below. GENERAL COMMENTS: We welcome the Commission’s initiative, which can deliver European added value by strengthening prevention, early detection and care.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Cigarettes and other burned, inhaled products contribute to a significantly underestimated rate of heart disease among smokers. In contrast, tobacco or nicotine alone appears to play a comparatively minor role in this risk. These facts have been well-established since at least the 1980s.

As representatives of the UEMS Neuroradiology Division, we strongly endorse the inclusion of stroke care within the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. We believe that its successful implementation depends on a robust, well-trained neuroradiology workforce across Europe.

The European Renal Association (ERA) strongly welcomes the upcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Action Plan. Recognising that cardiovascular disease (CVD) serves both as a leading health burden in itself and as a critical risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other metabolic conditions, we fully support the EUs coordinated efforts to curb CVD morbidity and mortality.

FAND - Associazione Italiana Diabetici ODV, an Italian network of approximately 70 patient associations, advocates the implementation of a EU cardiovascular health Plan to help harmonize and prevent cardiovascular risks connected with the diabetes. In Italy and across Europe, awareness of the strong link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease has grown significantly.

IMACE welcomes the Commission initiative to create an EU cardiovascular (CVD) health plan plan and is pleased to provide our sector views and suggestions to contribute to this consultation. Next to lifestyle changes, shifting to healthier consumption patters and in particular also healthy fat consumption across society can contribute significant to reduce the CVD risks.

As statutory health insurance funds, the AOKs insure around 27.5 million people in Germany and provided services worth 115 billion euros for their insured persons in 2024. With their extensive commitment to prevention and health promotion, the AOKs pursue the goal of preventing diseases from developing in the first place or at least mitigating their progression.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is Europes leading cause of death. Yet up to four in five premature CVD deaths are preventable. Diet stands out not only for its preventive power but also for its therapeutic potential. Dietary change can halt or even reverse existing disease, offering immediate benefits for patients while building long-term resilience.

CONTRIBUTION DE LA MAISON DES VINS & SPIRITUEUX SUR LE PLAN DE L’UE POUR LA SANTE CARDIOVASCULAIRE 15 Septembre 2025 La Maison des Vins & Spiritueux (MVS) représente les entreprises de l’aval des filières françaises des vins, des vins d’apéritif et des spiritueux.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Submission to the European Commission Call for Evidence: EU Cardiovascular Health Plan Submitted by Health Diplomats, with contributions from Prof. Delon Human (France) and collaborating cardiologists and public health experts Introduction Health Diplomats welcomes the European Commission’s initiative to develop an ambitious EU Cardiovascular Health Plan.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are the most common, inherited lipid conditions in Europe. They are major drivers of premature heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases, yet remain largely invisible to citizens and in public health strategies. Around one in 300 people live with FH and one in five with high Lp(a).

iCARE4CVD is a public-private research collaboration under the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI), aiming to personalise prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. To realise the full potential of personalised medicine in cardiology and thus strengthen the pillars of prevention, early detection, management and rehabilitation, we strongly advocate for integrating personalised medicine into the EU…

The European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) welcomes the European Commissions initiative to develop a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. As a membership organisation representing over 60 national associations, the EAPC is committed to supporting the promotion and development of palliative care throughout Europe and beyond.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are the most common, inherited lipid conditions in Europe. They are major drivers of premature heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases, yet remain largely invisible to citizens and in public health strategies. Around one in 300 people live with FH and one in five with high Lp(a).

The International Diabetes Federation Europe (IDFE), an umbrella organisation of 73 national diabetes associations across 45 countries in Europe, representing both people living with diabetes (PwD) and healthcare professionals (HCPs), welcomes the European Commissions commitment to tackling the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

1. Europeans live longer, not necessarily better Life expectancy in EU has increased to (84.2 years for women and 78.9 years for men, based on 2023 data)1. Europeans now live longer, but many of these years are lived with chronic diseases and disability. Currently, 21% of the EU population is above 65 years old and projected to rise to 29% in 2050.

The European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) welcomes the European Commissions initiative to develop a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality in Europe, and a coordinated EU-level strategy is both timely and essential.

The European Congenital Heart Disease Organisation (ECHDO) supports CHD patients of all ages, drawing insights from both parents of children with CHD and adult patients to achieve shared goals. Our vision is to improve access to the best possible care and treatment for all people affected by CHD in Europe through the exchange of information, knowledge, and experience.

With regards to our Call for action Integrating comprehensive screening for cardio-renal-metabolic diseases into the EU Cardiovascular Health Action Plan" submitted on August 24, 2025 I would like to inform you we simultaneously launched an on-line petition. This has been supported by 816 experts, health care professionals, professional associations, patients´ organizations and individual European citizens.

As a global healthcare leader, Sanofi welcomes the Commissions initiative to develop an EU Cardiovascular (CV) Health Plan and supports the focus on prevention to deliver meaningful reductions in morbidity, mortality, and inequalities.

As an EU-based organization dedicated to advancing integrative approaches to cardiovascular prevention and treatment, Maharishi College of Perfect Health International (MCPHI) strongly supports the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan and its emphasis on prevention, early detection, and improved care pathways.

Feedback on behalf of Cerebrovascular Section of the Polish Neurological Society - the main research and implementation academic organisation for stroke in Poland. Aim: Ensuring parity between stroke and myocardial infarction in the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan Core argument: The EU Cardiovascular Health Plan should explicitly treat stroke prevention, detection, treatment, and rehabilitation as co-equal with…

Statement of the Hellenic Society of Cardiology in response to the Call for Evidence on the European Cardiovascular Health Plan We respectfully submit the following key recommendations, supported by the best available evidence: 1. Innovation & Research European Research Consortia Funding: Support new therapies and biomarker discovery.

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), representing more than 45,000 oncology professionals in 179 countries, welcomes the European Commissions proposal for a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in the EU, while cancer follows as the second leading cause, responsible for 1.3 million deaths annually in the EU.

The European Social Insurance Platform (ESIP), representing statutory social security institutions and healthcare payers in the EU, welcomes the initiative to develop an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan (Plan). We support the creation of an integrated, prevention-oriented framework to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are the leading cause of death in the EU despite being largely preventable.

The European Federation of Origin Wines (EFOW) is the Brussels-based organisation representing wines with geographical indications (GIs). EFOW works to defend and promote the European model of wine production, deeply rooted in culture, agriculture, and local communities.

Eli Lilly welcomes the much-needed focus on cardiovascular disease (CVD). While CVD remains the leading cause of death in Europe, evidence shows that the rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes is a major contributor to this trend. Given their interconnectedness, it is critical that these diseases are not tackled in isolation but through an integrated approach.

European Respiratory Society and European Lung Foundation response to the European Commission call for evidence on the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan The European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the European Lung Foundation (ELF) welcome the opportunity to contribute to the development of the European Commission initiative for an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan.

LACT-Alliance Against Tobacco is the federation of the top 24 anti-smoking organisations in France, including the League against Cancer and the French Federation of Cardiology. We have been working for almost 30 years to defend the well-being of all from the interests of the tobacco and nicotine industry.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

The German Association for Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (vfa) strongly welcomes the European Commission's initiative to introduce an EU cardiovascular health plan that includes primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, care, and rehabilitation. vfa also supports the definition of clear objectives and measurable targets to enable proper evaluation.

The Czech Diabetes Society CzMA JEP supporting the position of the International Diabetes Federation Europe (IDFE), an umbrella organisation of 73 national diabetes associations across 26 EU countries, representing both people living with diabetes (PWD) and healthcare professionals (HCPs). We welcome the European Commissions commitment to tackling the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Filed in Czech · English published by the European Commission

As representatives of the Neuroradiology Division of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), we would like to express our strong support for the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Our views on this initiative are detailed in the enclosed letter.

Strengthen environmental and climate prevention to decrease the burden of cardiovascular diseases. Peoples health is threatened like never before from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Environmental risk factors are estimated to cause at least 18% of preventable deaths from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Europe, the most common cause of death and disability in the World Health Organisation (WHO)…

The Europe Region of World Physiotherapy, the organisation representing the physiotherapy profession in Europe, calls for the integration of Physiotherapy in the prevention, management, and rehabilitation strategies of the EU cardiovascular health plan. Physical inactivity is a key modifiable risk factor responsible for over 125,000 deaths in Europe annually.

15 September 2025 UNESDA Soft Drinks Europe’s input to the call for evidence on the upcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Plan UNESDA Soft Drinks Europe welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the call for evidence on the future EU Cardiovascular Health Plan.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

The European Confederation of Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs (EUCOPE) is the voice of small to mid-sized innovative companies active in the field of pharmaceuticals, biotechnologies and medical technologies at the European level.

Daiichi Sankyo is an innovative global healthcare company with more than 120 years in research, development and manufacturing of innovative medicines. We are leaders in cardiovascular care and remain committed to advancing treatments across the health continuum. Daiichi Sankyo welcomes the European Commissions initiative and believes the Plan should prioritise the following areas: 1.

Breakthrough T1D, the worlds largest nonprofit funder of type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, welcomes the European Commissions commitment to a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Plan. However, we are concerned that a critical high-risk population - people with T1D - remains largely overlooked in cardiovascular screening, prevention, and care strategies.

Please find attached Total Diet & Meal Replacements Europe (TDMR Europe) submission to the EU cardiovascular plan initiative. TDMR Europe is the European trade body for manufacturers and distributors of formula diet products, including total diet replacements (TDRs) and meal replacements (MRPs) which provide weight loss and weight management programmes for the overweight and obese.

The most significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease is smoking. What makes it the most significant? The fact that it is entirely preventable. Smokers expose their heart and blood vessels to a wide range of toxic substances contained in cigarette smoke, which disrupt homeostasis, trigger oxidative stress, damage the endothelium, and progressively impair cardiovascular function.

The German Social Insurance (DSV) welcomes the initiative of the European Commission to establish an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan as an integrated, prevention-oriented framework for action. From the DSVs perspective, the Commission should prioritise strengthening health-promoting living conditions, complemented by evidence-based preventive services and high-quality care including rehabilitation and reintegration.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the upcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. To promote health and well-being, prevent cardiovascular and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), enhance quality of life, and reduce healthcare costs, it is essential to create social and physical environments that make healthier choices more accessible.

Cancer Patients Europe (CPE) welcomes the European Commissions intention to develop a comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two leading causes of mortality in Europe, closely linked through shared risk factors and comorbidities.

Response from the Danish Heart Foundation (Hjerteforeningen) To the European Commissions Call for Evidence: EU Cardiovascular Health Plan The Danish Heart Foundation is the largest patient organization in Denmark devoted to pre-venting and reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease.

On behalf of the FH-EARLY project consortium, a Horizon Europe funded research initiative promoted by 15 scientific partners across Europe to advance early detection and prevention of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), we strongly welcome and support the development of the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan.

Please find enclosed a contribution from Belgium regarding the cardiovascular diseases plan. Kind regards, [name removed] Internationales | [name removed] Public Fédéral Santé Publique, Sécurité de la Chaîne Alimentaire et Environnement | Federale Overheidsdienst Volksgezondheid, Veiligheid van de Voedselketen en Leefmilieu [email removed] Tel: [phone removed] GSM: [phone removed] Avenue Galilée, 5/2 1210 Bruxelles…

Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals in Europe. Across around 160,000 community pharmacies, they provide direct care to more than 46 million citizens every day. Pharmacists already deliver the core interventions the EU Cardiovascular Plan requires: smoking-cessation services, weight-management and lifestyle counselling, routine blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose monitoring, as well as…

Cardiomyopathies are a group of cardiovascular diseases affecting the heart muscle, which reduces the ability of the heart to pump blood. They are often caused by inherited pathogenic genetic variants. Cardiomyopathies affect an estimated 1.5 million people across Europe and are often underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or diagnosed too late.

The Red Cross EU Office (RCEU), representing the 27 National Red Cross Societies in the EU, the Norwegian Red Cross, the Icelandic Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), supports the EU in its comprehensive approach to Non Communicable Diseases and offers its expertise in the development of related initiatives included the future EU Cardiovascular Health Plan.

On behalf of the National Coordinators for the Stroke Action Plan for Europe (SAP-E) in Bulgaria: Burden of stroke in Bulgaria and Europe Stroke is the second leading cause of death and disability in Europe. In the EU, one person suffers a stroke every 60 seconds, and more than 9 million Europeans live with long-term consequences. In Bulgaria, tens of thousands of patients are affected every year.

ProVeg welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this public consultation on the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. We support the ECs goal of reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its associated health burdens, and we emphasise the importance of prevention, particularly through healthier and more plant-based diets, as a cost-effective public health strategy. Please find our detailed response attached.

VAS welcomes the Commissions EU Cardiovascular Health Plan initiative and its objectives but highlights the urgent need to also prioritise actions specifically aimed at improving action on the burden of Vascular Diseases. These include conditions of arteries, veins, lymphatics, microcirculation and vascular anomalies.

Ingrid Dragan Taricano: Graduated in Biological Sciences Medical Modality – Biomedicine, MSc (Pharmacology), PhD (Applied Toxicology), training in reprotox (Reproduction Toxicology) at Surey University England, and Inhalation Toxicology at the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine Laboratory – Hanover. Pharmacology Professor at Santo Amaro University and Nove, July University.

Filed in Portuguese · English published by the European Commission

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Europe, placing heavy demands on healthcare systems and economies. Their high prevalence undermines quality of life and economic stability, making decisive action urgent. Tackling this burden requires a comprehensive approach that integrates prevention, early detection, treatment, and policy innovation.

PERFECTO FH Contribution to the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan On behalf of the EU4Health co-funded project PERFECTO (Preventing thE PReventable Familial HypErCholesterolaemia paediaTric screening for cardiOvascular health), we welcome the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in Europe, and this Plan is a unique opportunity to move prevention upstream.

1) Population prevention campaigns including risk factor evaluation should have determined according to several studies an impact higher than actually observed in reducing CVD and cerebrovascular diseases incidence and mortality. Therefore, tools should be implemented aimed at allowing a wide and easy to update collection of population adhrence to prevention strategies.

Novartis supports a European Cardiovascular Health Plan to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and prevent premature deaths across the EU by focusing on prevention, early detection and targeted interventions. A cornerstone of this plan should be the development and implementation of Cardiovascular Health Checks in member states.

Urgent Need for STROKE RESEARCH FUNDING. Stroke is Europes 2nd biggest killer and the greatest cause of acquired long-term disability, responsible annually for 440,000 deaths and 60 billion in total costs. Around 10 million EU citizens currently live with the consequences of stroke, many facing long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments.

We believe that science and innovation can make a decisive contribution to reducing cardiovascular diseases, which are one of the leading causes of premature death in Slovenia and globally. Various lifestyle factors contribute to these diseases, including smoking, which remains a key cause of harm.

Filed in Slovenian · English published by the European Commission

IHF recommends as follows: 1) Prevention (primordial and primary level) must be a priority and key action has to be implemented via: awareness campaigns on the need to make healthy choices (adherence to lifestyle and behavioral changes) related to main CV risk factors as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, kidney and liver diseases and the damage mechanisms that cause atherosclerosis linked to poor diet…

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common genetic disorder of lipid metabolism affecting 1 in 300 people. Individuals with FH present severely elevated LDL cholesterol levels from birth, leading to atherosclerotic plaque formation, and increasing the risk of early-onset myocardial infarction by up to 20-fold.

Contribution of the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists (AMD) to the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan The Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists (AMD) welcomes the European Unions initiative to develop a Strategic Plan for Cardiovascular Health, viewing it as a crucial opportunity to enhance prevention, early diagnosis, and integrated management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which remain the…

Vascular vs Coronary There is strong advocacy campaign around the CVD plan for coronary diseases, while vascular diseasesparticularly peripheral arterial disease (PAD)that are emerging as a silent driver of disability and death , often receives less or none attention .

Confindustria Dispositivi Medici represents Medical Devices sector in Italy. CVD are a major challenge for health systems, not only for mortality and disability, but also for their economic and social burden. Europe needs a CVH Plan aligned with national strategies, reshaping prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care, with patients at centre and ensure sustainability. Atrial fibrillation is rising fast.

I think it would be good if the European Union included smokeless alternatives – the IQOS device, electronic cigarettes and nicotine bags – into the European cardiovascular health plan, in order to provide smokers with a realistic pathway towards better heart health.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

The Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) and the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) welcome the European Commissions work on the EU Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Plan. We call on the Commission to place stroke, one of the most prevalent cardiovascular conditions, at the heart of the plan to ensure the EU achieves its objective of reducing its burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

As stated in the mission letter to Commissioner Várhelyi, Investing in effective prevention measures will reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases, helping to lighten the load on healthcare systems and supporting healthy longevity. Incorporating immunisation as a core prevention measure is crucial to realising this objective and ensuring the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan succeeds.

Please find attached a statement by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), expressing strong support for the European Commissions initiative to establish the first-ever European Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Plan.

HIV Outcomes is a pan-European, collaborative initiative uniting community and patient advocates, healthcare professionals, academics, and the industry, aiming to improve the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for all people living with HIV throughout their life span.