Brunei Launches National AI-Driven Cardiovascular Health Initiative

At the 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, a significant partnership was announced aimed at combating cardiovascular disease in Brunei Darussalam. Dr. Giovanni Caforio, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Novartis, unveiled the collaboration involving the Novartis Foundation, the Ministry of Health of Brunei, and EVYD Technology. This initiative, known as CARDIO4Cities, seeks to utilize artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance cardiovascular disease prevention on a national scale.

Innovative Approach to Public Health

The CARDIO4Cities program, built upon Brunei’s national health platform, aims to utilize population-scale data to identify individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease. By focusing on early detection and tailored interventions, the initiative is expected to significantly reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases and improve overall heart health in the country. The collaboration has garnered attention for its potential public health impact and innovative approach, as highlighted during a session titled “Innovating for Social Impact at Scale Through Partnerships and Artificial Intelligence.”

During this session, discussions included insights from notable figures in digital health innovation. Mrs. Gong Yingying, Founder and Chairlady of Yidu Tech, emphasized that improving public health requires a systems-level approach. She explained that the launch of CARDIO4Cities represents more than just a program; it is a strategic move towards transforming Brunei’s public health system into one that proactively predicts health issues, integrates services, and is guided by real-world data.

Tackling Global Health Challenges

Cardiovascular diseases, along with other non-communicable diseases, are responsible for over 70% of global deaths, making them a leading cause of mortality worldwide. In Brunei, these diseases are the primary cause of death, underscoring the urgent need for effective prevention strategies. Many nations face challenges such as fragmented data infrastructure and limited risk stratification, complicating the implementation of precise prevention efforts.

Through this partnership, Brunei aims to develop AI-driven cardiovascular risk assessments that will allow for differentiated intervention strategies. “A truly resilient system must act before risks fully emerge,” stated Mrs. Gong. The initiative will leverage data and intelligence to foster a more effective health governance model.

The technology supporting the CARDIO4Cities initiative is rooted in EVYD’s comprehensive platform, which is designed to provide population-scale insights while also delivering value to pharmaceutical and life sciences partners worldwide. EVYD’s AI capabilities will enable the program to create tailored health management solutions.

The evolution of BruHealth, Brunei’s national digital health platform, is also noteworthy. Initially developed to coordinate resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, BruHealth has expanded into a robust infrastructure that now serves over 85% of the population. It provides access to health records, AI-generated health guidance, appointment scheduling, and monitoring of wellness indicators.

Brunei is the first country to implement CARDIO4Cities at a national level, targeting four major cardiovascular risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and hyperlipidemia. This initiative follows successful deployments of CARDIO4Cities in over 40 cities worldwide, including São Paulo and Dakar, where significant improvements in health outcomes have been reported.

As this trilateral collaboration progresses, it is set to not only enhance Brunei’s public health capacity but also serve as a scalable model for non-communicable disease control globally. The ambitious nature of CARDIO4Cities reflects a commitment to reorient healthcare systems towards prevention and proactive management, potentially transforming public health strategies around the world.