New delegation of Pan-African cardiologists to arrive in Cardiff in the ongoing effort to tackle heart disease

A new delegation of Pan-African cardiologists will arrive in Cardiff next week, marking a renewal of the international collaboration to combat heart disease as part of a Heart Failure CPD programme funded by The Pan African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR).

Building on the foundations laid by a previous visit in 2023, the group will spend a week at the University and University of Wales Hospital Cardiff, experiencing how an established heart failure facility operates.

The programme was created jointly by Cardiff University School of Medicine and PASCAR, supported by the University CPD Unit. It aims to address concerning levels of heart disease in Africa, upskilling cardiologists to improve patient outcomes and increase awareness of heart failure management.

Africa faces a dual burden of disease, as communicable illnesses remain widespread while noncommunicable conditions—particularly cardiovascular disease—are on the rise. This combination poses a serious and growing threat to public health across the continent.

Visiting cardiologists will experience a ‘mature’ heart failure centre, immersing them in the day-to-day operations of such a facility, attending patient panels, observing clinical sessions and practical workshops - supplemented by masterclasses on subjects such as communication skills and imaging.

Speaking at the time of the previous visit in 2023, former First Minister of Wales Vaughan Gething said, “The increasing rates of heart failure in Africa are a growing concern in need of thorough and urgent investigation. Several factors - including increased life expectancy and the higher risk of cardiovascular disease among African people - mean that this is an issue for people within Africa, and among the African diaspora here in the UK and across the world. As one of those from the diaspora, and as a former Health Minister in the Welsh Government, this is an issue which I take great interest in. You have my full support for the work you are doing here in Wales, in healthcare settings in Africa, and across the world, and I'm really proud that Cardiff University is facilitating such an important programme.”

The Heart Failure CPD programme is recognised as an essential project with practical, real-world impact. If you are interested in developing a bespoke professional development programme with the University, please get in touch with the Continuing Professional Development Unit for an initial chat: