Lancet RHE Commission on Inequities and Disparities in Cardiovascular Health

The Lancet Regional Health–Europe Commission on Inequities and Disparities in Cardiovascular Health is chaired by Prof. Raffaele Bugiardini (University of Bologna), Prof. Chris P. Gale (Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, UK), and Dr. Martha Gulati (Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA). Established by the scientific journal The Lancet Regional Health–Europe, the Commission was created to address inequities and disparities in cardiovascular health. The work of 22 experts is coordinated by Prof. Olivia Manfrini and Dr. Edina Cenko at the Clinical Epidemiology and Cardiology Laboratory of DIMEC.

The Commission’s mission is to evaluate the incidence and outcomes of cardiovascular diseases at both global and regional levels, with a particular focus on the most disadvantaged populations. Its main goal is to ensure that advances in cardiovascular care reach all individuals equitably, especially those who have been historically marginalized and underserved.

The Commission also serves as a platform to better understand the drivers of disparities and to identify specific needs and barriers to equitable treatment for all patients, with particular attention to women, older adults, ethnic and racial minorities, and individuals living with mental health disorders.

In addition, the Commission aims to support the development of policies designed to reduce inequities in cardiovascular health. By identifying high-impact areas for intervention, it provides evidence-based recommendations to ensure that resources are allocated fairly to all those in need.

Finally, through advocacy activities, the Commission is committed to raising awareness among all healthcare professionals.

This initiative seeks to act as a catalyst for change, paving the way toward a new era of equity in cardiovascular care and research.