Guest article by Benedetta Armocida, coordinator. Beatrice Formenti, Project Manager. and Scientific Coordinator (JACARDI) Graziano Onder
As we navigate the complex public health landscape, initiatives like JACARDI are a valuable step towards reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) across Europe. Launched in November 2023 and lasting for four years, JACARDI is a collective action of member states that is part of the EU4Health program 2021-2027 and is a testament to collaborative efforts in pursuit of healthier and more just societies.
With the participation of 21 European countries and 76 partners, JACARDI will launch 142 pilot projects, an important opportunity to improve the prevention and management of CVD and DM. Through this, JACARDI is committed to implementing best practices and innovative strategies throughout the 'patient journey'. This concept is a pillar of his JACARDI structure, starting with improving health literacy and raising awareness of the public and target populations, through primary prevention and screening of her CVD and DM in high-risk populations, and with CVD and DM. It deals with living people and their people. Healthcare providers complete the path through improved service pathways and (self-)management, including digital tools, and by supporting and encouraging workforce participation of people living with these diseases.
As Scientific Coordinator (Graziano Onder), I am immediately aware of the importance of developing an innovative work package on methodology, which aims to develop and implement a methodological framework to guide all pilot projects in the design, preparation, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation processes. We believe that this framework can also be utilized as a shared tool by other projects. Our methodological approach also includes transversal and intersectional aspects, ensuring a harmonized and efficient approach to all JA activities, as well as a rigorous and multifaceted evaluation. Through this, JACARDI will uncover new approaches to strengthening health systems based on evidence-based practices and current needs, while adopting a lens of equity and sustainability throughout the methodology and implementation process.
As a coordinating team, we have built equity into the core of JACARDI's mission. By prioritizing diverse perspectives and recognizing persistent health inequalities, JACARDI aims to develop comprehensive strategies to address disparities in disease distribution and management. We are particularly proud that, to our knowledge, JACARDI is the first large-scale program to apply a systematic and harmonized approach to integrating equity and diversity perspectives across all activities. think.
Furthermore, sustainability and cooperation are important pillars of JACARDI's vision. By maximizing synergies with other initiatives and stakeholders, JACARDI envisions a united and sustainable network in pursuit of a healthier and more just Europe.
As coordinators and project managers of this ambitious initiative (Benedetta Almosida and Beatriz Formenti), we recognize the transformative power of gender-inclusive leadership. JACARDI is pioneering a gender transformation approach, advocating for gender equality in public health leadership and empowering the next generation of leaders. By breaking down systemic barriers and fostering diverse perspectives, JACARDI establishes a new leadership paradigm focused on collaboration, empathy, and inclusion.
In conclusion, JACARDI's journey embodies the values ​​of equity, sustainability, and inclusive leadership. As we move forward, let us continue to prioritize these principles and work together to build healthier communities and a brighter future for all.
Additional Information:
LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jacardi/
Website: https://jacardi.eu/
