Ge Junbo Elected President-Elect of the World Heart Federation
Election Results Announced at World Congress of Cardiology in Rio de Janeiro
The announcement came during the 2026 World Congress of Cardiology held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Global member units voted to select Ge for the post, establishing a term that runs from 2027 through 2028. This marks the first time a scholar from the Chinese mainland has been elected to a core governance position within the World Heart Federation.
World Heart Federation data indicates the organization acts as an influential international body in cardiovascular health. It remains the sole global cardiovascular disease institution maintaining an official relationship with the World Health Organization. Its network spans more than 100 countries, connecting over 200 cardiology associations, heart foundations, and related organizations focused on reducing the global burden of heart disease and stroke.
His work includes pushing standardized, regional collaborative emergency care models anchored by chest pain centers across China. These models increasingly serve as practical templates for medical resource-limited countries and regions.
Following the election, Ge introduced a guiding philosophy: “Heart Health for EVERYONE — From Promise to Practice.” The framework targets equitable access to care and the expansion of standardized emergency protocols worldwide.
Five Priorities Set for the 2027 to 2028 Term
The newly elected president-elect outlined five core areas of focus for his upcoming tenure at the international organization. Ge stated that efforts will center on ensuring quality cardiovascular medical services are not restricted by national, regional, or economic disparities.
Additional priorities include promoting affordable and replicable emergency care systems like chest pain centers to ensure acute patients receive timely interventions. Training initiatives will aim to help resource-limited countries cultivate sustainable domestic cardiovascular workforces through international education and specialist programs. Collaborative frameworks will also adapt to regional needs in areas such as the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America, while cross-national sharing of guidelines, research, technology, and educational outputs will bridge gaps in grassroots healthcare delivery.
President-Elect Integrates Cardiovascular Health Equity into National Policies
According to the World Heart Federation, the president-elect will transition into active duties under the organization’s charter, working alongside global members to integrate cardiovascular health equity into additional national policy agendas.