Customized Initiatives Tackling Cardiovascular Disease Across Four Continents

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global and growing problem.^1,2 The number of people living with cardiovascular disease nearly doubled over a recent 30-year period, from 271 million in 1990 to 523 million by 2019.³

A recent large-scale study found that the underlying causes of cardiovascular disease are remarkably similar worldwide.⁴ Across 21 countries in the study, which span five continents, most cardiovascular disease tracks back to at least one metabolic risk factor, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or elevated cholesterol, with high LDL (the "bad") cholesterol being the number one cause of heart attacks.⁴

A global crisis addressed by local solutions

While the problem is similar across the world, Susan Hepworth, Senior Director at the Global Alliance for Patient Access says there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. That's why the group (GAfPA for short), which is dedicated to improving care and public health outcomes, focuses on providing resources and support while looking to local experts for strategic direction.

"We bring together multi-disciplinary stakeholders who understand the unique challenges and opportunities that exist in a particular country, because this is the best way to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease," says Susan Hepworth.

Amgen has sponsored programs with GAfPA since 2021. This support has helped the group forge alliances with an extensive array of collaborators in four inaugural countries: Australia, Canada, China and South Africa. GAfPA and its European arm, the European Alliance for Patient Access (EAfPA), are in the planning stages for additional initiatives in Italy and Spain.

Their work begins by convening a local steering group to: 1) assess the local problem, 2) define key barriers to better cardiovascular care and 3) develop project objectives in each country. The synergistic pairing of GAfPA's global knowledge of best practices with the insights and expertise of skilled in-country leaders enables co-creation and implementation of sustainable solutions tailored to community needs.

Know Your Numbers, Treat Your Risk

The primary focus in each country, says Susan Hepworth, starts with "improving awareness of cardiovacular disease and its risk factors." The public is encouraged, for example, to find out their LDL-C numbers so they can take action to lower their risk of heart attacks and other serious cardiovascular events.

Each steering group's plan reflects its country's national priorities, and their outputs (policy briefs, infographics, patient videos, and other resources) are tailored to their population's needs. A local sense of ownership is vital because GAfPA's goal from the outset is for each steering group to eventually take full control of their programming. This handoff has already happened in Australia and South Africa.

"Our ability to lead this campaign in Australia would not have been possible without this support," says Dr. Christian Verdicchio, CEO of Heart Support Australia. He says it's vital to make sure everyday Australians understand the risk of elevated cholesterol, but also to promote awareness among health care professionals, who may not be up to date with the latest guidelines and recommendations.

A unique insight from the Australian steering group is that Australians are motivated by a better understanding of how heart attacks impact mental health. Their "cardiac blues" campaign urges patients to address those negative feelings and to visit their cholesterol education website.

Sustainable solutions require global best-practice sharing and local action

Tina Ja, who leads strategic partnerships and impact programs at ASK Health Asia, and serves on the China steering group, points out the value of bringing global work to local stakeholders. "Through partnerships like this, we can empower patients with the right tools and knowledge throughout their disease management journeys. Since illnesses are not confined by geographical borders, global campaigns will provide patients with diverse cultural perspectives and experiences, fostering new insights and learning opportunities."

The focus in China goes beyond reaching patients and healthcare providers, also calling on policymakers to help optimize blood lipid levels across the country. They provide suggestions for specific actions policymakers can take, such as a call for all regions to include coronary heart disease in outpatient chronic disease management guidelines and asking the few that already do to take additional steps, like lifting restrictions on innovative drugs that can improve patient outcomes.

To reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease, learn globally, act locally

Cardiovascular disease has long-been the most consequential illness impacting individuals, driving negative population and public health outcomes. The GAfPA partnerships, with support from Amgen, are providing resources and the structure to help countries have a real impact for at-risk patients.

"With greater awareness, patients, caregivers, healthcare providers and policymakers can work together to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and improve health outcomes," says Susan Hepworth.

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