APAC CVD Alliance and Deloitte Release White Paper on Heart Failure

The Asia Pacific Cardiovascular Disease Alliance (APAC CVD Alliance) has partnered with Deloitte to unveil a significant white paper aimed at addressing the increasing burden of heart failure (HF) in the Asia-Pacific region. Released on October 8, 2025, the report, titled *Improving Heart Failure Policy and Management in Asia Pacific: Opportunities for Impact*, underscores the urgent need for customized policy interventions tailored to the specific challenges faced by eight key territories: Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, South Korea, the Taiwan region, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The report highlights alarming gaps in areas such as policy visibility, access to diagnostics and therapies, healthcare infrastructure, and public awareness. Currently, nearly 32 million people in the region live with heart failure, and projections suggest that prevalence will continue to rise over the coming decades. The report warns that without coordinated efforts, the repercussions on patients, health systems, and economies will become more severe.

Dr. Krishna Reddy, a cardiologist and representative of the APAC CVD Alliance, emphasized the critical nature of the findings. “Heart failure is silently claiming lives across Asia-Pacific, yet it remains hidden in policy shadows,” he stated. “This white paper lays out the evidence and concrete steps for action. The time for fragmented approaches is over. Together, we can bring heart failure out of the margins and give millions a chance at longer, healthier lives.”

The social implications of heart failure extend beyond clinical challenges. Many patients face a loss of independence, high rates of depression and anxiety, and a heavy reliance on caregivers who often lack sufficient support. Economically, the burden is significant; in some middle-income countries, heart failure accounts for over 10% of national health expenditure. The additional costs associated with productivity losses and caregiver burdens further strain societal resources.

To effectively combat this escalating issue, the white paper proposes several key recommendations. Kavita Rekhraj, Deloitte’s Asia Pacific & Southeast Asia Life Sciences & Health Care Leader, remarked on the report’s practical approach: “By combining data-driven insights with pragmatic policy recommendations, this report offers a blueprint for change, giving governments and healthcare leaders a practical pathway to reduce hospitalisations, improve survival, and deliver better quality of life across Asia-Pacific.”

The white paper sets ambitious targets, aiming for a 20% reduction in HF-related hospitalisations and a 15% increase in patient survival rates within five years. Achieving these outcomes will depend on the specific context of each territory and sustained commitment. The report advocates for a phased approach, piloting reforms in mature health systems before scaling them to emerging ones, complemented by tailored capacity-building support.

The state of heart failure care in the Asia-Pacific region is at a critical juncture. Without immediate action, health systems risk becoming overwhelmed, leaving patients without adequate support. The report outlines a clear strategy: invest in early detection, expand digital and community-based care, ensure sustainable financing, and provide robust support for patients and caregivers.

As the global community recognized World Heart Day on September 29, the APAC CVD Alliance and Deloitte urge governments, healthcare providers, and industry partners to transition from awareness to action. Prioritizing heart failure management not only saves lives but also reduces costs and promotes the establishment of resilient, equitable health systems for the future.

For more information, the full report can be accessed on the APAC CVD Alliance and Deloitte websites. The development of this white paper was supported by Roche Diagnostics, reflecting a collaborative effort to address cardiovascular health in the Asia-Pacific region.