JACARDI is addressing this challenge through a consortium-wide science-to-policy capacity-building programme: 46 consortium members have been trained as trainers, who are expected to train up to 412 participants in national training sessions across 18 European countries.

As part of this wider initiative, a two-day science-to-policy training took place on 14-15 July at the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), involving 35 Italian pilot teams within the JACARDI consortium. The training was developed at consortium level under JACARDI’s work package on sustainability and aimed at strengthening participants’ capacity to transform the knowledge generated through their pilots into evidence that can inform policies, institutional decisions and future public health action.

Grounded in JRC’s Evidence for Policy Programme, driven by collaboration and trust

“I believe that science-to-policy is the responsibility to ensure that the best available evidence contributes to improving decisions, systems, and, ultimately, people’s lives.” said Benedetta Armocida, JACARDI’s Coordinator. “This requires expertise, of course. But above all, it requires courage, collaboration, and mutual trust. No one can build this bridge alone.”

The training was grounded in the approach of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) Evidence for Policy Programme, designed to enhance the capacity to bridge the gap between science and policymaking. Within JACARDI, this bridge is particularly important: the Joint Action is implementing a wide range of pilot interventions to improve the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes across Europe, but their long-term value will depend on whether effective approaches can be sustained, transferred and embedded within health policies and services.

Turning scientific results into policy-relevant messages

Participants worked on communicating evidence and project results to policymakers and institutional stakeholders in a clear, targeted and actionable way. Rather than simply presenting data, they learned how to identify the most policy-relevant findings, understand the needs and priorities of different audiences and formulate messages that can support concrete decisions.

The training therefore addressed a central challenge at the science–policy interface: the same evidence may need to be communicated differently depending on whether the audience includes technical experts, health authorities, institutional leaders, patient representatives or political decision-makers. Participants explored how to select the appropriate messages, formats, channels and moments for engaging each audience.

Beyond technical communication skills, the course also provided participants with a deeper understanding of policymaking processes and the interaction between scientists, stakeholders, policymakers, and politicians. Particular attention was given to the role of evidence in decision-making and to the factors that influence the uptake of scientific results in policy contexts. This involved looking beyond the production of scientific evidence to consider the broader environment in which decisions are made, including institutional priorities, available resources, stakeholder interests, political feasibility and opportunities for change.

An interactive training based on real pilot cases

In addition, the training supported the development of Sustainability Action Plans of pilot projects, including stakeholder consultation processes and consensus-building activities. These tailored plans will help each pilot team identify the actors to involve, the evidence to communicate and the actions needed to preserve, integrate or scale up the most valuable elements of their work beyond the end of JACARDI.

The training was delivered in person over two days through an interactive format combining brief lectures, practical exercises, skills-based sessions, simulations, and role-play activities based on real pilot cases. It was conducted by three pairs of trainers, who were previously trained by two experts from the JRC, following a train-the-trainers approach. This model does more than transfer knowledge: it builds capacity within the JACARDI consortium, enabling the methods and skills acquired to be shared, adapted and applied across countries and future initiatives.

The interactive sessions allowed participants to apply the concepts directly to their work, making the training strongly practice-oriented and closely connected to the implementation challenges faced by pilot teams. Participants did not work on abstract scenarios, but on the actual evidence, stakeholders and sustainability challenges emerging from their interventions.

Building capacity that lasts beyond the project

A pilot cannot be considered fully successful solely because it produces positive results during its implementation. Its added value also lies in its capacity to inform broader change: improving existing services, influencing institutional practices, guiding resource allocation or contributing to new policies.

This capacity-building activity is expected to generate value beyond the immediate scope of JACARDI. The skills, tools and methodologies acquired will not only support the implementation and sustainability of the current pilot activities, but will also be transferable to future initiatives. By strengthening participants’ ability to work at the science-policy interface, the training contributes to building lasting institutional expertise that can continue to support evidence-informed public health decisions after the conclusion of the Joint Action.

Through this initiative, JACARDI is investing not only in the results of individual pilots across Europe, but also in the people, relationships and institutional capacities needed to turn evidence into action. The ultimate objective is to ensure that effective interventions do not remain isolated experiences, but contribute to more sustainable, transferable and equitable health policies and practices at both national and European levels.

Related resources:

• Joint Research Centre (JRC) Science for Policy Handbook

• Joint Research Centre (JRC) Knowledge4Policy platform

L'articolo No one can build this bridge alone: JACARDI strengthens the science–policy interface proviene da Jacardi.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of premature mortality and disability in the European Union. The article, by lead author Benedetta Armocida and other contributors from the joint action, highlights that the main challenge is not the lack of strategies, but how to implement them effectively and equitably across different health systems.

The article presents JACARDI as a proof-of-concept for implementing the EU Safe Hearts Plan. A key message is that cardiovascular disease and diabetes should be addressed together using a life course approach, recognising that risk factors build up over time. Early actions, such as health literacy programmes for children and young people, can support long-term health outcomes.

Linking detection, care and everyday support

The authors highlight that screening is effective only when it is connected to follow-up care. JACARDI pilots test different approaches, including community-based screening, mobile units and digital tools linked to lifestyle support.

The commentary also emphasises integrated care and self-management. Pilot interventions like a co-designed mobile application to optimize secondary prevention in Madrid and care pathways co-developed with patients and caregivers in the Basque Country demonstrate that digital and telemedicine solutions can support continuity of care and help people manage their condition in everyday life.

Equity and data as key priorities

The article underlines the importance of strong data systems and a focus on equity. Shared data models enable better monitoring of health outcomes and differences between population groups. Inclusive, targeted approaches are needed to ensure that prevention and care reach everyone.

Overall, the commentary highlights that JACARDI provides a practical model for turning policy into action. The authors conclude that combining a life course approach, integrated care and equity-focused implementation can support long-term improvements in cardiovascular health across Europe.

Read more: Commentary on JACARDI and the Safe Hearts Plan

Publication: Closing the implementation gap: the Joint Action on Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (JACARDI) as a proof-of-concept for Europe’s Safe Hearts Plan

Authors: Benedetta Armocida et al. (on behalf of the JACARDI Implementation Board)

Journal: International Journal of Public Health

Publication date: 15 June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609906

L'articolo JACARDI as a proof-of-concept for Europe’s Safe Hearts Plan proviene da Jacardi.

The free resource was developed through the eponymous project, which is co-funded under the EU4Health Work Programme and led by the We CARE advocacy group. It provides a structured framework for assessing preparedness and identifying practical actions to ensure that essential cardiovascular services remain accessible when health systems are facing disruption.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in Europe, making uninterrupted access to diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care a major public health priority. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and recent challenges, vulnerabilities in healthcare systems have been exposed, emphasising the importance of stronger preparedness planning. RESIL-Card was developed to help healthcare organisations move beyond crisis response and build resilience into routine service delivery.

Strengthening preparedness through collaboration and evidence

RESIL-Card is designed “by and for” hospital multidisciplinary teams involved in cardiovascular care. Through a structured, four-step self-assessment process, users can evaluate the preparedness of their care pathways, identify strengths and gaps, and define tailored actions to support and leverage improvement.

The tool was developed through an extensive co-creation process involving clinicians, public health experts, patient representatives, and policymakers from across Europe. By combining scientific evidence, existing preparedness frameworks and real-world experience, RESIL-Card translates resilience concepts into practical actions that can be implemented in diverse healthcare settings and geographies.

“The value of the RESIL-Card tool is that it gives our team a structured way to identify gaps we had intuitively recognised but never formally addressed,” says an early adopter of the tool.

Supporting JACARDI’s vision for stronger health systems

RESIL-Card’s objectives closely support JACARDI’s efforts to strengthen prevention, care pathways and health system sustainability across Europe. By helping healthcare organisations assess vulnerabilities, improve preparedness, and maintain the continuity of cardiovascular services during periods of disruption, the tool contributes to creating more sustainable and equitable health systems for people living with cardiovascular disease.

The initiative is also aligned with key European policy priorities, notably the EU Safe Hearts Plan and the health preparedness pillar of the EU Preparedness Union Strategy. RESIL-Card’s practical assessment framework helps translate these strategic objectives into concrete actions that healthcare providers can implement to strengthen preparedness, protect access to care and improve long-term system resilience.

By helping healthcare teams anticipate risks, improve coordination and strengthen service continuity, the tool supports a proactive approach to quality improvement and preparedness. It also encourages a patient-centred approach by prompting healthcare providers to identify and address vulnerabilities that could impact access to diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care. In doing so, RESIL-Card can help reduce inequalities in access to cardiovascular services and improve outcomes for people living with cardiovascular disease, particularly during periods of disruption.

“Cardiovascular care must remain uninterrupted regardless of the challenges health systems face. The RESIL-Card tool provides healthcare teams with a practical way to assess preparedness, identify improvement opportunities, and ultimately ensure that patients continue to receive lifesaving care when it matters most,” says Professor William Wijns, Research Professor in Interventional Cardiology at the University of Galway (Ireland) and coordinator of the RESIL-Card initiative.

By providing a common framework for assessing and strengthening preparedness, RESIL-Card contributes to ongoing European efforts to build more resilient health systems, promote the exchange of good practices across Member States, and support the implementation of strategies aimed at improving cardiovascular health, reducing inequalities and ensuring continuity of care during future crises.

RESIL-Card is already gaining traction across Europe, supported by national interventional cardiology working groups and hospitals that are helping drive its dissemination and implementation.

The tool is freely available through multiple dissemination channels to healthcare professionals, healthcare organisations, hospital groups, policymakers and other stakeholders who are committed to strengthening cardiovascular care resilience and protecting access to high-quality care for all, especially when it is needed most.

Read more

Access the online RESIL-Card tool here
Learn more about the RESIL-Card initiative

Download

L'articolo New RESIL-Card tool supports resilient and equitable cardiovascular care across Europe proviene da Jacardi.

When María Eugenia left the hospital after her heart attack, she didn’t just carry a discharge report, she carried uncertainty. “This session felt timely and necessary for patients who leave the hospital feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed”, she says, speaking about one of the recent co-design sessions organised within the AMIGA pilot project at Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid (Spain). 

AMIGA is part of JACARDI’s Work Package on patients’ self-management. Led by Hospital 12 de Octubre and the Spanish National Centre for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), it focuses on improving self-management after a heart attack through a co-designed mobile application. 

María Eugenia’s words capture a moment that many patients will recognize: the transition from hospital to home, when clinical care gives way to self-care and questions often outnumber answers. It is precisely in this vulnerable period where the project aims to make a difference.  

The initiative is led by Dr Héctor Bueno, cardiologist and scientific director of the Cardiovascular Research Area at the i+12 Research Institute, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, in Madrid; leader of the JACARDI working group on data availability and quality; and leader of a research group at CNIC. 

A digital companion for life after a heart attack

The AMIGA pilot is developing a mobile application designed to support people recovering from a heart attack. Grounded in principles of positive psychology, the app aims to enhance therapeutic adherence and empower patients in their day-to-day self-care. 

Fifteen participants, most aged between 70 and 75, took part in individual sessions simulating the real patient journey: from recruitment into the program to hands-on interaction with the app. Among them, one participant stood out as a powerful reflection of the project’s ambition: a 95-year-old woman who became one of its key advisors. 

Behind this pilot lies a broader vision. Managing cardiovascular disease and diabetes depends not only on what happens inside hospitals, but largely on what patients are enabled to do in their everyday lives. 

JACARDI’s Work Package on patients’ self-management focuses precisely on strengthening that capacity. Its pilot projects explore how patients can be better supported to adopt healthier lifestyles, monitor their symptoms, follow treatments correctly, and communicate more effectively with healthcare professionals, especially nurses, who play a vital role in this project. Equally important, they address something less visible but not less critical: how people cope with the emotional and practical challenges of living with a chronic condition.

When patients are equipped and confident to manage their health, outcomes improve, not only in terms of quality of life, but also through reduced avoidable complications and lower pressure on health systems.  

Listening before building 

These sessions were not only about testing technology; they were about understanding people, how they think, what they need and where they struggle. As Dr Bueno explains, this approach is not just desirable, it is essential: 

“Many digital health solutions are developed without direct patient involvement, often resulting in low usage and adherence rates. In addition, given that the typical profile of these patients tends to be older, designing a digital tool that is accessible to individuals with potentially low digital literacy presents an additional challenge,” explains Dr Bueno. 

The AMIGA project places patients at the centre of the design process, shaping everything from language and tone to usability and content. 

Building together 

The sessions were enriched by the involvement of ASECOR, the Association of Cardiac Patients at Hospital 12 de Octubre, bringing lived experience and a strong sense of community into the process.

As Antonio Sánchez, President of ASECOR, highlights, “it’s important not only to give visibility to these diseases, but also to raise awareness through the experiences of the patients participating in the project.” That perspective is grounded in long-standing collaboration with the hospital, which Carlos Quijorna, Treasurer of ASECOR, describes as “contributing our grain of sand.”

Ultimately, the value of the initiative lies in something deeply human: reducing the sense of isolation many patients feel after discharge. As Luis Álvarez, Secretary of ASECOR, puts it, “this application helps patients who, until now, often felt alone. With this, they feel more supported and can consult about their own condition.”

Co-design as a path to impact 

These sessions are part of an ongoing process involving patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and technology experts. Each conversation, each piece of feedback, helps transform the app into something more than a digital tool, it becomes a reflection of real needs, real concerns, and real lives. 

For the JACARDI pilot, this approach maximizes the likelihood of real-world impact. For participants, it offers something equally valuable: the chance to shape a solution that could improve the lives of future patients.

And for people like María Eugenia, it turns a moment of uncertainty into one of purpose.

L'articolo Relearning life after a heart attack: How patients are shaping their recovery proviene da Jacardi.

Creating working environments that promote health, inclusion and long-term well-being is a key priority for JACARDI. The Workbox for Inclusion contributes to this goal by offering practical support to organisations, with a particular focus on people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The programme bridges the gap between policy recommendations and everyday practice, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises, by translating public health principles into clear, actionable steps. The Workbox provides tools to assess workplace inclusiveness and to design tailored action plans. These aim to improve employee well-being, support work ability and foster sustainable inclusion.

By combining evidence-based knowledge with practical guidance, the Workbox strengthens organisational capacity and contributes to healthier and more productive workplaces. With initiatives like this, JACARDI continues to take meaningful steps towards a more equitable society, one that enables, supports and empowers all.

The Workbox was developed by the leadership and co-leadership teams responsible for the Work Package on Labour participation of people living with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes within JACARDI. Its design was led by experts from the Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (Italy), Poznan University of Medical Sciences, and the Department of Health Prevention (Katedra i Zakład Profilaktyki Zdrowotnej), Poland.

Access the Workbox for Inclusion here.

Download the leaflet here.

L'articolo Workbox for Inclusion: JACARDI helps build workplaces that work for everyone proviene da Jacardi.

Research conducted within JACARDI summarises evidence on non-clinical methods for measuring blood glucose and cholesterol. The findings point to the preventive potential of self-measurement approaches, while emphasising that wider public health use requires further research, standardisation and strong clinical quality assurance.

Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are among the leading causes of ill health and premature mortality in Europe. Both conditions are largely preventable, but prevention requires timely data on risk factors and approaches that are accessible to different population groups. Traditional screening methods can be resource‑intensive and may not reach everyone equally.

The researchers reviewed existing evidence on non-clinical measurement methods, such as dried blood spot samples, finger‑prick capillary blood collection, and emerging non‑invasive technologies. Some of these approaches showed close agreement with standard venous blood tests for specific measurements, particularly glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and triglycerides.

Clinical standards remain essential

However, the review also makes clear that clinical standards remain essential. Accuracy varies between methods, and differences in sample collection, handling and analysis can affect results. For this reason, self-measurement tools cannot currently replace clinical screening and are not recommended for diagnostic or population-level screening purposes.

“Self-measurement technologies have clear potential to support prevention and reduce barriers to participation,” says researcher (PhD candidate) Hanna Elonheimo, lead author of the study. “At the same time, they should be seen as complementary tools, not alternatives to clinically validated methods.”

The authors highlight that accessible and user‑friendly measurement approaches may still play an important role in increasing awareness of cardiovascular and diabetes risk, supporting disease management, and informing future prevention strategies. Further research is needed to improve standardisation, reliability and regulatory validation before wider implementation can be considered.

Publication: Innovative approaches to early detection of cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk: focus on glucose and cholesterol measuring
Authors: Hanna M Elonheimo, Alexandra Cucu, Gabriela Cristisor, Ciprian Ursu, Claudia Dima, Petru Milos, Giulia Franceschini, Katiuscia Dibiagio, Roberta Papa, Massimiliano Petrelli, Jelka Zaletel, Hanna Tolonen
Journal: European Journal of Public Health
Publication date: 9 February 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag007

L'articolo Research highlights the potential of self-measurement tools in preventing cardiovascular disease and diabetes proviene da Jacardi.

On 6 May 2026, the Interregional Group on Health and Well-being of the European Committee of the Regions, with the support of EUREGHA, hosted the high-level discussion “Shaping the EU Safe Hearts Plan: regional perspectives for cardiovascular health” in Brussels.

The meeting brought together representatives from EU institutions, regional and local authorities, healthcare professionals, researchers, and public health stakeholders to discuss how to advance the implementation of the Safe Hearts Plan (SHP) through stronger multilevel governance and regional action. JACARDI contributed to the discussion as a key European initiative in this field to support the objectives of the SHP. 

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death and disability in Europe, placing a major burden on individuals, health systems, and economies. Against this backdrop, the discussion highlighted the importance of translating European policy ambitions into concrete and equitable actions adapted to regional and local realities.

Speakers included: 

• Carmine Pacente, European Committee of the Regions
• Romana Jerković, European Parliament
• Marianne Takki, European Commission
• Benedetta Armocida, Istituto Superiore di Sanità and Coordinator of JACARDI
• Cristina Gavina, Portuguese Society of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology
• Antonio Aurigemma, Regione Lazio

The discussion underscored several priorities for the future implementation of the SHP, including strengthening prevention and health promotion, improving early detection and screening, ensuring continuity and integration of care pathways, and addressing persistent inequalities in cardiovascular outcomes, including the cardiovascular gender gap, across and within European regions. 

Evidence-informed policies and prevention beyond healthcare settings

Participants also highlighted the growing importance of data systems and digital innovation in supporting evidence-informed and more equitable cardiovascular health policies. At the same time, speakers stressed that effective prevention strategies must extend beyond healthcare settings and reach people directly within schools, workplaces, and local communities, especially underserved populations and people living in vulnerable situations.

Coordinated European action through JACARDI

In this context, Benedetta Armocida presented JACARDI as a concrete example of how coordinated European action can support the objectives of the Safe Hearts Plan by bridging research, policy, and implementation. The Joint Action contributes to strengthening national and regional capacities, fostering collaboration across health systems, and reducing fragmentation in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The discussion concluded with a shared recognition that achieving the ambitions of the EU Safe Hearts Plan will require sustained collaboration between EU, national, regional, and local actors, alongside continued investment in prevention, integrated care, and equity. 

The meeting further demonstrated the added value of creating spaces for dialogue between policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and implementers. Bringing together actors operating at different governance levels allows for the exchange of practical experiences, the identification of shared challenges, and the co-development of solutions that are both evidence-based and feasible in real-world settings. Such multistakeholder engagement is essential to ensure that European strategies are translated into sustainable and impactful actions at the regional and local level.

L'articolo Shaping the EU Safe Hearts Plan: JACARDI joins high-level dialogue on regional and local perspectives proviene da Jacardi.

Early identification of risk factors, modern community-level screening models, and international experience in prevention programs were at the forefront of discussions, with special attention on the Safe Hearts Plan. Behavioural risk factors and their impact on premature mortality and population health loss were also high on the agenda.

“Non-communicable diseases often remain ‘invisible’ — their consequences do not appear immediately. At the same time, it is important to understand that prevention is far cheaper than treatment, and healthy nutrition and physical activity are not about trends but primarily about preserving health,” said Tetiana Skapa, Director of the Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

What JACARDI pilot studies reveal about prevention and care

The meeting also included discussion of the main findings from a study on health literacy regarding self-monitoring of arterial hypertension. The study was conducted using the Ophelia (Optimising Health Literacy and Access) process, a co-design approach for developing health literacy actions that is applied across 24 pilot projects within JACARDI’s work package on health literacy. The findings of the study confirmed that health literacy is a key factor in the effective prevention and self-management of high blood pressure, influencing adherence to treatment and regular monitoring. The study also highlighted practical opportunities for improvement, including clearer patient communication, better access to blood pressure monitoring in community settings, stronger patient education and peer support, and more coordinated healthcare delivery.

Results from another JACARDI pilot project exploring the barriers to prevention and screening for type 2 diabetes were presented. The study found that while primary care is trusted and access to diagnosis and medications is generally good, key barriers persist, including limited access to diagnostics, high administrative burden, short consultation times, and low patient awareness and motivation for prevention, alongside contextual challenges related to war, such as stress and disruption of care. Lifestyle change remains the greatest challenge for patients, and structured education and support programmes are largely absent. Overall, the findings highlight the need to strengthen prevention, improve access to essential diagnostics, and expand patient and professional education.

“Participation in the JACARDI project allows Ukraine to align with European best practices in cardiovascular disease and diabetes prevention and provides a strategic framework that guides our local prevention efforts, supports early detection, and helps us implement evidence-based interventions tailored to the Ukrainian context, particularly in the challenging conditions of war,” said Nataliia Hryb, Specialist in Non-communicable Disease Prevention at the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and pilot lead from the Ukrainian team.

Importance of a systemic prevention approach

Participants emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to NCD prevention, including improving health literacy and implementing screening programs. The national “Health Screening 40+” program, which provides basic examinations for early detection of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mental health issues, was also discussed.

“Behavioral risk factors remain the key determinants of premature mortality and health loss in Ukraine,” noted Dmytro Shushpanov, Head of the Department of Demographic Modeling and Forecasting at the M. Ptukha Institute for Demography and Social Research, NAS of Ukraine. “At the same time, significant territorial disparities persist, especially in rural areas, which requires strengthening preventive measures and adapting programs to local conditions.”

Next steps and further collaboration

Following the meeting, participants outlined the key directions for future work: strengthening and supporting community-based prevention programs, developing screening initiatives, and increasing public health literacy. The strategic meeting provided an important platform for reinforcing partnerships between state institutions, regional centers for disease control and prevention, and international organizations.

L'articolo Building stronger prevention systems in Ukraine: insights from the Kyiv JACARDI meeting proviene da Jacardi.

Since racism directly affects health outcomes, adopting an antiracist approach is integral to quality care, emphasizes Dr. Najma Yusuf, a medical doctor and an antiracism educator for the JACARDI Masterclass titled “Antiracism is care: Advancing Equity in Healthcare”. It is vital to recognize harmful structures, deconstruct them, and avoid past mistakes, especially in the current political climate.

Understanding structural racism and historical context

Racism in healthcare has been well documented and is rooted in structural issues. Studies show that patients from ethnic minorities may receive different treatment than the majority population. This discrepancy is visible even in common medical tests; for instance, in the case of pulse oximetry, which can lead to significant delays in initiating therapy. Diagnosis and treatment decisions made by healthcare professionals can also be influenced by cultural biases.

Dr. Yusuf shed light on the controversial history of medicine, noting that unethical medical experiments conducted on ethnic minorities were a regular occurrence not too long ago. The enduring effects of this history mean that certain minority groups remain wary of healthcare professionals today. Consequently, building trust must begin from the very start, which requires time.

From race-based to race-conscious medicine

A key concern is that race is still used as a risk factor for disease in health research. This persists despite the fact that it has been well-established that race is a social construct, rather than a biological risk factor.

Dr. Yusuf argued that, instead of relying on biology, race should be defined as a social and power construct. This approach allows practitioners to understand and see the effect that race has on an individual’s health and wellbeing. Moving away from race-based medicine toward race-conscious medicine will eventually lead to the reduction of racial health inequalities.

Five concrete ways to promote active antiracism

Antiracism requires active action, and there are concrete ways to promote it within healthcare and healthcare research. Dr. Yusuf presented five actions that professionals can take:

1. Admitting the existence of structural racism
2. Having active plans to reduce structural racism
3. Meeting patients without prejudice
4. Disaggregating data in health research for equity monitoring (by country of birth, language, ethnicity)
5. Using participatory approaches involving affected communities

Resources:

• Online course on anti-racism for professionals (videos are in Finnish with English subtitles)
• The Moni Suomi Study
• Pulling at the heart: COVID-19, race/ethnicity and ongoing disparities by Chin-Hong, P et al.
• From race-based to race-conscious medicine: how anti-racist uprisings call us to act
• Tackling structural racism and ethnicity-based discrimination in health

About Dr. Najma Yusuf

As a physician specializing in emergency medicine, and an anti-racism expert at the University of Helsinki, Dr. Yusuf has a demonstrated history of working in healthcare, biomedical sciences, and public health. Beyond her medical practice, she is actively engaged in advancing equity and inclusion, serving as a Board Member of the Finnish-Somalia Association (FSA) and as a trainer for doctors in Finland, contributing to a JACARDI pilot program developing antiracist training for healthcare professionals.

About the JACARDI Equity Lens Series:

Throughout this series, we share why equity and diversity are not optional add-ons but core components of truly equitable healthcare as well as a shared responsibility for everyone working in the field. To share the knowledge generated within JACARDI, the Equity Lens article series draws on the JACARDI Equity Masterclass series that provides an in-depth look into matters related to equity and diversity for JACARDI pilot teams conducting 143 healthcare interventions across Europe. The article series offers insights shared by a diverse pool of public health professionals within the consortium. By looking through an equity lens, we can build a more inclusive system for everyone. Join us in learning how an equity lens can shape daily practice and drive meaningful change.

Read the first article in the series: JACARDI’s 4Cs framework for advancing equity and diversity

L'articolo Equity Lens: Antiracism is integral to reducing health inequalities       proviene da Jacardi.

The symposium opened with a welcome from Ireland’s Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, setting the tone of innovation and equity in cardiovascular and diabetes prevention. Dr Benedetta Armocida, Coordinator of JACARDI, provided an overview of JACARDI’s objectives, highlighting the Joint Action’s commitment to shared learning and scalable implementation across Member States.

The spotlight then turned to the pilots – the core of JACARDI. Six pilots from Ireland, Finland, Belgium, Hungary and Ukraine presented their work, with a particular focus on cardiovascular screening and patient self-management.

Pilot presentations: progress across Europe

• Ireland:
  • STOP‑CVD (HSE): Katie Ellwood and Pooja Salgar outlined progress using natriuretic peptide screening to support risk stratification in primary care.
  • Healthy Heart Clubs (Croí Heart & Stroke Charity): Lisa Hynes highlighted the importance of structured rehabilitation and long‑term self‑management after cardiac events.
• Finland: Mia Färm (Finnish Diabetes Association) presented the Finnish Risk Calculator, supporting early identification and timely lifestyle intervention.
• Belgium: William Leysen (Diabetes Liga) shared preliminary results from the Halt2Diabetes studies, demonstrating the value of coordinated community‑level screening.
• Hungary: Gréta Máto (OKFŐ) discussed the role of advanced nurse practitioners in strengthening cardiovascular and diabetes screening in primary care.
• Ukraine: Nataliia Hryb (Public Health Centre Ukraine) discussed how they are delivering type 2 diabetes screening in challenging circumstances, underscoring resilience and commitment to patient care.

Across all pilots, a clear message emerged: prevention must be systematic, data-informed and patient-centred.

Women and cardiovascular health: advancing equity

The mid-morning session turned the focus on women with cardiovascular disease (CVD), a key pillar of JACARDI’s commitment to equity and diversity in cardiovascular and diabetes care. The session featured a keynote from JACARDI’s own Dr Héctor Bueno, Co-Leader on the Work Package on Data, who delivered a powerful message: “women are not small men”. His presentation emphasised the need to recognise sex-specific differences in disease presentation, diagnosis, and management.

This was further explored by Dr Mary Ryder, Associate Professor of General Nursing, and Prof. Amy O’Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician at The Coombe Hospital, offering complementary perspectives. Dr Ryder discussed the importance of addressing social determinants of health in cardiovascular prevention, while Prof O’Higgins focused on optimising cardiovascular health during pregnancy, a critical window for long‑term outcomes.

The session was rounded out by a patient story, providing a personal perspective on living with CVD. Her experiences reinforced the human impact behind the statistics and research, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.

Diabetes and cardiovascular health

The afternoon session turned to diabetes, reflecting its deep interconnection with cardiovascular disease. Dr James (Jim) Januzzi from Harvard Medical School delivered a keynote on heart failure risk across the spectrum of dysglycaemia, stressing the need for integrated approaches. Dr Lisa Devine outlined the successes of Ireland’s Chronic Disease Management Programme, demonstrating how structured, national-level programmes can support early detection, patient engagement, and improved outcomes.

Finally, Prof. Sean Dinneen discussed progress toward a National Diabetes Registry in Ireland, reinforcing the importance of robust data to ensure interventions reach those who need them most, and highlighted the synergies brought about by projects such as JACARDI.

People at the heart of prevention

One of the strongest impressions from the day was how much can be achieved when expertise, curiosity, and compassion are translated into structured action. The symposium wasn’t just about data, tools, or programmes. It was about people: the teams working on the ground across Europe translating strategy into practice, the patients whose stories remind us why these efforts matter, and the exchange of knowledge among colleagues united in a common purpose.

The symposium left attendees not only informed but inspired. It reaffirmed the importance of integrated, patient-centred approaches for a healthier and stronger Europe.

L'articolo From pilots to policy: highlights from the Irish JACARDI Heart Health Symposium proviene da Jacardi.