Global leaders advance heart health at summit
CNBC correspondent and American Heart Association volunteer Sharon Epperson moderated a stroke roundtable with panelists including World Stroke Organization President Dr. Jeyaraj Durai Pandian. Mark Schoeberl, Heart Association Advocacy executive, also made remarks. (Courtesy of the Global Stroke Action Coalition)
Global health leaders convened in Geneva, Switzerland, 16 – 17 May 2026, for the World Heart Summit alongside meetings of the Acute Care Action Network (ACAN), ahead of the World Health Assembly 18 – 29 May. Ministers of health, government delegations and other stakeholders gathered to discuss how to strengthen cardiovascular and acute care systems.
ACAN marked its second anniversary by convening network members, welcoming its 90th member and advancing World Health Organization (WHO) emergency, critical and operative care strategies to expand access and improve outcomes.
Delegates at the World Health Assembly adopted the first resolution on stroke, declaring it a global health priority. The American Heart Association/Stroke Association led support for the resolution, which addresses what is now the second-leading cause of death worldwide.
The World Heart Federation also released its 2026 report on congenital heart disease, reinforcing the need for coordinated policy action.
Learn more about global efforts to reduce the burden of stroke and improve outcomes through the link below.