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May 21, 2026
By the Philips Foundation team
Amsterdam, the Netherlands – The Novartis Foundation and the Philips Foundation today announced a new global partnership to improve cardiovascular health in urban populations, through the expansion of the CARDIO4Cities approach. This collaboration, formalized through a framework agreement signed earlier this year, will bring together the complementary strengths of both organizations to support cities in addressing cardiovascular risk through data-driven, integrated, and locally led action. Amsterdam will serve as a starting point for a more coordinated, evidence-based approach to cardiovascular prevention and care, designed to reduce inequities, improve early detection, and support sustainable improvements in population health at city level. The announcement follows a joint panel discussion during the World Health Assembly in Geneva this week, with Dr. Ann Aerts, Head of the Novartis Foundation, and Bahaa Eddine Sarroukh, Head of the Philips Foundation. A shared commitment to urban heart health Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, responsible for an estimated 20.7 million deaths annually [1]. Yet the drivers of cardiovascular health extend far beyond clinical care alone. Only around 20% of health outcomes are determined by access to healthcare, while approximately 80% are shaped by social, environmental, and economic factors – including where people live, work, grow, and age. These determinants drive deep and persistent health inequities, particularly in urban settings, where disparities in access to prevention, early detection, and care persist.
Chronic disease will not wait for people to reach the health system – the system must go to them.
Dr. Ann Aerts
Head of The Novartis Foundation
What makes this collaboration distinct is the combination of capabilities it brings together. The Novartis Foundation’s experience in working with cities to translate data into coordinated action is complemented by the Philips Foundation’s ability to deploy innovative, scalable health technologies that improve early detection and access to care. Together, this creates a stronger pathway from insight to impact – particularly in underserved urban communities. “Chronic disease will not wait for people to reach the health system – the system must go to them,” said Dr. Ann Aerts, Head of the Novartis Foundation. “By combining data-driven insights with innovative technologies and strong local partnerships, we can support cities to act earlier, improve outcomes, and reduce disparities at population level.” Bahaa Eddine Sarroukh, Head of the Philips Foundation, said, “Amsterdam mirrors this global reality at a local level. Across the city, life expectancy can differ by up to 10 years between neighborhoods, with similarly stark gaps in healthy life expectancy. We are pleased to join the CARDIO4Cities initiative and look forward to teaming up and addressing cardiovascular challenges together, through an integrated approach, in alignment with the city’s priorities.” CARDIO4Cities through joint action This partnership focuses on expanding the CARDIO4Cities model: a proven, data-driven approach that helps cities design and implement interventions to improve cardiovascular health and reduce inequities. Together the Novartis Foundation and Philips Foundation aim to accelerate the adoption of solutions that can be replicated and scaled globally, helping cities move faster from identifying risk to delivering impact. Through this collaboration, the Novartis Foundation and Philips Foundation will: Initial activities include collaboration with the city of Amsterdam, with potential future expansion to other cities and urban regions. [1] World Heart Federation (2023). World Heart Report 2023 For further information, please contact: Yannick Eshuijs
Philips Foundation
Tel. : +31 1852 6633
E-mail: [email protected]
CARDIO4Cities supports cities in taking a comprehensive approach to scaling cardiovascular health – combining early detection, quality and coordination of care, data-driven decision-making, and multisectoral collaboration. The model is designed to be adaptable across different health system contexts and resource settings, enabling measurable and sustainable improvements in population health. Learn more at www.novartisfoundation.org/our-programs/cardio4cities Read MoreShow less
Philips Foundation is a registered non-profit organization established in 2014. Its mission is to enable access to quality healthcare for underserved communities through meaningful innovation, strategic partnerships, and catalytic funding. Operating across a continuum of capital – from grant-based projects to impact investments – Philips Foundation deploys Philips’ healthcare expertise and collaborates with like-minded partners to develop scalable solutions that connect community-based care with the broader health system. Its work focuses on cardiovascular disease and maternity and child health. Philips Foundation’s ambition is to reach 100 million people a year by 2030. More information can be found at www.philips-foundation.com Read MoreShow less
The Novartis Foundation drives city-based solutions to reduce cardiovascular risk by deploying data and AI-driven insights and technologies, in partnership with local authorities, health system managers, and communities. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the Foundation is committed to improving population health and narrowing health disparities. Learn more at www.novartisfoundation.org Read MoreShow less
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