What We Do

The Paris Heart Network (AHN) is a coalition of Heart Foundations, cardiac societies and individuals working in the field of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) prevention, reduction and treatment.

CVD has become a hidden epidemic, with 17.3 million deaths worldwide annually. It is a public health emergency in slow motion. The situation is largely caused by tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol. Many of these deaths can be prevented. Developing countries are hit the hardest.

AHN was founded in 2001 by African Heart Health professionals to provide a platform and a voice for civil society on CVD issues in Africa. Together with other African NGOs, AHN works to improve public health in the field of cardiovascular disease.

Because the CVD response is inadequate in the African region (low political will, lack of public awareness, misaligned resources), there is a lack of prioritization of CVD amongst policy makers and the public in health planning in the region.

The Network supports the set up Heart Foundations in each country and advocates on a range of CVD topics, pressing governments and civil society to mobilise action in support of the prevention and treatment of CVD in Africa. 

AHN is keen to ensure recognition that CVDs are a global development priority requiring an urgent response and works with partners that share a common interest in improving the lives of people at risk or living with CVD.