Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and strokes, account for nearly 18% of all deaths in South Africa – approximately 225 deaths per day, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). As Dr Patrick Ngassa Piotie, Senior Programme Manager and co-founder of the University of Pretoria's (UP) Diabetes Research Centre, highlights, “The heart is the engine of the body, so when it’s not working properly, the risk of death is high.”

In recognition of his dedication to improving cardiovascular health, Dr Ngassa Piotie was recently selected as a 2024 World Heart Federation (WHF) Salim Yusuf Emerging Leader. His selection marks a pivotal moment in his journey as a public health expert. “I am honoured to join this esteemed group of global health leaders who are committed to reducing cardiovascular disease worldwide,” he says.

The Emerging Leaders Programme is one of the first international training initiatives focused on cardiovascular health policy, research, and implementation science. Established in 2014 by WHF Past President and renowned researcher Professor Salim Yusuf, it provides opportunities for collaboration, focusing on preventing and treating cardiovascular disease globally.

The 2024 cohort comprises representatives from 21 countries across five continents, including six African nations: South Africa, Cameroon, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Uganda. The group will meet in Mombasa, Kenya, from 27 October to 1 November to develop strategies to reduce premature mortality from cardiovascular disease in line with the WHO targets and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr Ngassa Piotie’s journey in public health began in 2010 when he joined UP as a postgraduate student. He completed his master’s in 2015 and PhD in 2023, both in Public Health. During his doctoral studies, he co-founded the Diabetes Research Centre together with his supervisor, Professor Paul Rheeder.

“Addressing the root causes of cardiovascular diseases in South Africa is essential,” Dr Ngassa Piotie says. “If we address hypertension, diabetes, and obesity – all major non-communicable diseases [NCDs] – as well as lifestyle risks such as smoking, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and alcohol abuse, we can significantly improve heart health."

Hypertension, for example, affects 40% of adults over the age of 25 in South Africa, dramatically raising the risk of heart disease. Similarly, the country’s rising obesity rates, including among children, are a critical risk factor. Dr Ngassa Piotie points to the Human Sciences Research Council’s National Food and Nutrition Survey, which found that about half of South Africa’s adult population is either overweight or obese.

Diabetes, another major risk factor, “affects millions of South Africans and significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular complications, including heart disease”, Dr Ngassa Piotie notes. “A major cause of death among people with diabetes is cardiovascular complications.” Smoking further exacerbates heart disease risks, with 20 to 25% of adults being regular smokers.

His selection as a WHF Emerging Leader places him in a unique position to influence policy and drive change in South Africa. “Our health system in South Africa doesn’t allocate sufficient resources to NCDs like cardiovascular diseases,” he observes. “We need specific funding and more well-trained health professionals to prevent and treat heart disease. Right now, people without medical aids are disproportionately affected by high mortality rates.”

The key, Dr Ngassa Piotie believes, lies in bridging the gap between research and practice. “In my work, I am advocating for new policies and interventions that can advance prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. As a WHF Emerging Leader, I plan to work with the provincial and national Departments of Health to drive these initiatives forward.”

His nomination to the Gauteng Provincial Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Advisory Committee provides an opportunity for him to apply his expertise in shaping the province’s response to the escalating NCD crisis. This committee, consisting of experts from academia, public health, the private sector, and the WHO, is instrumental in guiding and advising on NCD-related policies.

Working with the committee, Dr Ngassa Piotie will play a key role in advancing the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on the Prevention and Control of NCDs (2022–2027), helping to develop effective strategies to alleviate the growing burden of NCDs in Gauteng.

The impact of this leadership goes beyond just addressing cardiovascular disease. "By improving the management of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, we can prevent a significant number of heart-related deaths," he explains. "Prevention is always better than treatment, whether it's raising awareness or educating communities on how to adopt healthy lifestyles."

His work as an Emerging Leader also ties into his broader public health mission. As Co-founder and Senior Programme Manager of UP’s Diabetes Research Centre, as well as Chairperson of the Diabetes Alliance, his focus extends to strengthening health systems and advocating for comprehensive NCD care.

"I will leverage this opportunity to enhance South Africa’s approach to NCDs, by advancing research, pushing for more equitable distribution of resources and the implementation of stronger health systems and policies,” he says. “These are essential steps toward creating a healthier future for South Africa and the continent.”