Atherosclerosis and other cardiometabolic diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide, yet millions in lower- and middle-income countries still lack essential diagnostics and lifesaving medicines. The fact that so many are overlooked when effective interventions are readily available elsewhere is a shocking injustice.
Throughout my career as a physician working in public health care in South Africa, I have seen firsthand the difference access to quality health care can make to the lives of patients and their families.
Given the staggering inequalities in cardiovascular care across the globe, it is essential to unlock financing and innovation to address cardiometabolic diseases and break social barriers to accessing care.