Historic global health declaration signed by University Centre Shrewsbury Professor
A University Centre Shrewsbury Professor has joined with experts from across the world to make the first ever global declaration on heart health.
Professor John Buckley, in his role as Chair of the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR), has signed the Mexico Declaration for Circulatory Health. The declaration is a commitment to tackle Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) and recognises that global action, national plans and a common vision are needed.
CVDs, commonly referred to as heart disease or stroke, are the number one cause of death around the world.
The experts signing the declaration represented some of the world’s most respected organisations, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Stroke Organisation.
All signatories pledged that they will collaborate to support the WHO Global Action Plan and 25 by 25 goal which aims to reduce deaths from non-communicable diseases, including CVDs, by 25% by 2025.
The declaration was the culmination of the Global Summit on Circulatory Health and Shared Challenges of 25 by 25 which took place on the opening day of the World Heart Federation’s World Congress of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Health in Mexico City. Those participating, from June 4 to 7, shared views on the role that political advocacy, on-the-ground interventions and collaboration need to play in ensuring that the WHO 25 by 25 goal is achieved.
Prof Buckley said: “Globally, one in three deaths are as a result of CVD, yet the majority of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable.
“The declaration is recognition that health professionals, governments, businesses and the public need a common voice that paves the way for much-needed action now, to stop the number of premature deaths as a result of CVDs increasing.
“We hope that the declaration forges new ground in the fight against CVDs.”
Professor David Wood, President-Elect at the World Heart Federation, added: “The Mexico Declaration is an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to tackle what are largely preventable diseases. Cardiovascular diseases continue to place a huge burden on society, not just financially but also in terms of the role they play in maintaining inequalities, particularly in low to middle income countries.”
Prof Buckley leads Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science and Master of Science in Exercise Medicine courses at University Centre Shrewsbury. He recently presented his Inaugural Professorial Lecture at which Prof Wood gave the vote of thanks.
In addition to his ICCPR role, Prof Buckley was the President of the British Association for Cardiovascular Rehabilitation between 2009 and 2011, and held the position of Exercise Physiologist at the National McArdle Neuromuscular Disease Clinic at the Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, now based at University College Hospital London, from 1999 to 2013.
