The Novartis Foundation implemented an innovative cardiovascular (CV) population health approach, CARDIO4Cities¹ codesigned with local authorities and partners. It rapidly improved blood pressure control rates in urban populations, translating into a reduction of up to 13% of strokes.2,3 The approach was successful thanks to its data driven approach, allowing periodic review of real time data to redesign interventions where needed. HealthTech solutions were used to accelerate CV risk detection and mend gaps in the population health roadmaps.
Eg. in Dakar, the Ministry of Health, the Novartis Foundation and the HealthTech Hub Africa selected the startups BAAMTU and ByFilling to roll out an innovative solution for hypertension detection and management. Saytu Tension is a multichannel solution, including web content, chatbots, mobile monitoring, and data dashboards. One of the first HealthTech PPPs in Senegal, Saytu Tension has reached about one million people and will launch its pilot phase in 20 city health facilities.
In São Paulo, a digital Screening Corner4 for CV risk was introduced by CARDIO4Cities, measuring blood pressure and other biometrics of every visitor of the city’s primary health centers. People screening positive were immediately referred to the consultation, resulting in significantly accelerated CV risk detection. Prompt and standardized management of diagnosed patients resulted in improved outcomes.
The approach is now being scaled through the CARDIO4Cities Accelerator, a new organization, aiming to further reduce the global cardiovascular burden and accelerate SDG3 achievement.
- Aerts A, Boufford J. (2021) A new whole-of-city strategy for addressing cardiovascular population health, Cities & Health, 7:3, 296-302.
- Boch et al. (2022). Implementing a multisector public-private partnership to improve urban hypertension management in low-and middle- income countries. BMC Public Health 22, 2379.
- Reiker et al. (2022). Population health impact and economic evaluation of the CARDIO4Cities approach to improve urban hypertension management. PLOS Global Public Health 3, 4.
- https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/cantinho-cuidando-de-todos-l-ncd-screening-corners
