Access Accelerated and the World Heart Federation (WHF) have partnered since 2018 to strengthen the delivery of high-quality cardiovascular health and to accelerate advocacy of cardiovascular disease treatment and prevention at national and global levels. Access Accelerated supports WHF to undertake three key pillars of work: empowering local advocates; convening stakeholders to drive more effective health policies; and sharing knowledge and tools to advance action on CVDs.
WHF’s response and adaptation to emerging needs highlight the importance of having flexible funding and working with local actors towards a common goal. WHF’s work at national level embraced local actors and stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of activities. The focus given to underserved communities, including women of African descent in Colombia and people living in rural areas in Kenya, showcases the equity lens through which Access Accelerated and WHF are improving NCD outcomes.Â
The implementation of WHF’s work in Kenya was sustained by engaging local actors including county leadership and KCS. Projects were implemented by WHF local members, the Colombian Heart Foundation, the Colombian Society of Cardiology and the Kenya Cardiac Society, highlighting WHF’s commitment to working with local stakeholders who are an integral part of the local community and are ideally positioned to implement the project on the ground. By strengthening the implementation of standards for cardiovascular disease service provision through WHF, the Access Accelerated consortium is able to foster an environment of quality assurance and improved care for people living with and at risk from the world’s top killer.Â