As the European Union and its Member States embark on a journey of recovery following the COVID-19 crisis, it is time to ask ourselves difficult questions about how Europe’s healthcare systems have responded to the test of a global pandemic. The need to protect long-term sustainability by investing in health through prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care has never been more apparent, whilst building resilience against future health threats and addressing a backlog of unmet patient needs in the midst of a changing treatment landscape are more critical than ever.

The pandemic has not only impacted the treatment pathway for CVD and stroke patients but has also led to missed opportunities for diagnosis and prevention. Whilst prevention of stroke and other CVDs are amongst Europe’s greatest health investment priorities, there is still a lack of understanding amongst HCPs and policymakers regarding its economic burden and role as a leading cause of disability. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people will have a stroke during their lifetime, costing 32 European countries a total of €60 billion in 2019 alone.

Although being highly preventable and treatable, Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability in Europe.  This is a health crisis which is not addressed appropriately by policymakers, needing effective and implementable policies in place to tackle them to protect our health systems and patients today and in the future.

Following the success of BMS-Pfizer’s 2020 policy webcast on heart and stroke management, the Alliance is hosting a second policy roundtable to continue the debate and address the challenges surrounding stroke. We are delighted to invite you to this event, entitled ‘AFib-Related and CVD-Related Stroke: Public Policy Recommendations for a Changing Environment’, which will take place on Thursday 14 October from 15.00 – 16.30 CEST.

The panel discussion will bring a range of health policy and stroke and CVD expertise to the table, facilitated by experienced health policy moderator, Brian Maguire from EurActiv, including:

• Arlene Wilkie, Director General, Stroke Alliance for Europe
• Birgit Beger, CEO of the European Heart Network
• Dr. Valeria Caso, Past President, European Stroke Organization
• Trudie Lobban (MBE), CEO and Founder, Atrial Fibrillation Association
• Andrea Vassalotti, Director Partnerships and Programmes, World Heart Federation
• Dr. Michael Brainin, Past President, World Stroke Organization
• Sirpa Pietikäinen, Member of the European Parliament (EPP, FI)

Bringing together key policymakers, researchers, and advocacy organizations, our goal is to advance the discussion on diagnosis and access to innovative treatments that reduce stroke, and to raise awareness of the impact of non-treatment on the sustainability of Europe’s healthcare systems, particularly within the context of the post-pandemic era.

Interested participants may apply for registration at the following link.