Applied Research

We seek to measurably reduce heart disease and stroke risk factors via resource-appropriate applied research projects. We work with ministries of health, members, health practitioners, partners and the World Health Organization to establish best-practice models for cost effective prevention and control.

This is the most common acquired cardiovascular disease in children and young adults, and a major public health problem in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. In Fiji and Tonga since 2006, over 400 healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses and midwives) have been trained in disease identification, management and reporting, and over 12,000 schoolchildren have been screened. Of these, hundreds were
identified as having RHD. Many had not been diagnosed previously and would otherwise not have been started on long-term penicillin that prevents progression of rheumatic fever, which can lead to valve damage. Disease registries in both countries now track over 2,000 cases.

Learn more about Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) > 

In the Bridging the Gap programme in China, the World Heart Federation is collaborating with the Chinese Society of Cardiology and Project Hope to prevent recurrences of heart disease.

The Colombia Model Youth programme seeks to address the epidemic of cardiovascular disease in Latin America through an educational partnership with Sesame Workshop and the development of youth networks for health advocacy.

The Grenada Heart Project, implemented in collaboration with the Government of Grenada, uses the World Health Organization STEPwise approach to surveillance of CVD risk factors in order to help communities to tailor prevention programmes to their needs.