AstraZeneca’s Healthy Heart Africa expands focus to CKD after a decade of success

UGANDA—AstraZeneca’s flagship health equity initiative, Healthy Heart Africa (HHA), has celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of impactful work combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the continent.

Since its inception, HHA has successfully conducted over 67 million blood pressure screenings and trained more than 11,700 healthcare professionals, significantly enhancing access to hypertension diagnosis and treatment in nine African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, contributing to a high percentage of NCD-related deaths globally.

 Alarmingly, over 27% of adults in Africa are affected by hypertension, which is notably higher than the global average.

HHA’s efforts have not only improved awareness but have also led to the activation of more than 1,550 healthcare facilities to provide essential services related to hypertension management.

In his remarks during the anniversary celebration, Ruud Dobber, Executive Vice President of AstraZeneca’s BioPharmaceuticals Business Unit, emphasized that HHA exemplifies the company’s commitment to equitable healthcare.

He noted that over the past decade, millions have been empowered to take control of their heart health.

Furthermore, HHA is expanding its focus to include chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is closely linked to hypertension and affects approximately 15.8% of Africans.

Early detection and management of CKD are crucial since it often progresses without noticeable symptoms.

This anniversary also coincides with the upcoming World Health Organization’s High-Level Meeting on NCDs, which highlights the critical need for collective action to address these health challenges.

A key aspect of HHA’s success has been its strong partnerships with governments, NGOs, and community leaders, facilitating culturally relevant interventions.

Helen McGuire from PATH praised the transformative impact of collaborating on HHA, particularly in countries like Ghana, where integrated NCD services have been scaled up.

 She highlighted the introduction of NCD indicators into national health information systems as a significant milestone that enhances planning and resource allocation.

Dr. Diana Atwine Kanzira, Permanent Secretary at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, noted that HHA has strengthened Uganda’s response to NCDs by raising awareness about risk factors and enhancing early detection capabilities.

The integration of hypertension data into national health systems will improve patient pathways and ensure that life-saving care reaches those in need.

Looking ahead, HHA aims to expand its reach into new regions while integrating climate-resilient healthcare solutions.

The program seeks to deliver essential care to vulnerable African populations by prioritising early detection and innovative partnerships.

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