From left to right: Dra. Aurora Muriel S. Gamponia, Mr. Sonny Ku, Dra. Erlyn Demerre, Prof. David Sim & Ms. Angel Aquino
WED | Spreading Hope: National Heart Failure Awareness Week | PHA National Heart Failure Network has been officially launched, aiming to address the pressing yet often overlooked health crisis of heart failure (HF). Heart Failure (HF) can affect anyone,and is a complex condition that can be caused by various health issues such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, heart valve problems, and congenital heart disease. It is a global health crisis that impacts over 60 million people, surpassing the number of cancer patients worldwide by five times. Shockingly, nearly 50 percent of HF patients do not survive beyond five years of diagnosis.
Renowned Singaporean cardiologist, Prof. David Sim, described HF as a devastating pandemic during his presentation at the 2025 Heart Failure Awareness Week organized by the Philippine Heart Association (PHA). He emphasized the urgent need for a strong HF network in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in the Philippines where the prevalence of HF ranges from 1.6% to 16 out of every 1,000 patients.
The PHA National Heart Failure Network (PHA NHFN) aims to address the challenges posed by HF through comprehensive care, multi-specialty team approach, and participation in national research initiatives. Dr. Erlyn Demerre, chair of the PHA Council on HF, highlighted the importance of early detection, patient education, and continuous care in transforming lives and restoring hope for HF patients.
Sim stressed the significance of a nationwide approach to HF management, extending care beyond specialized hospitals in urban centers to reach every Filipino across the country. By partnering with healthcare facilities and primary care providers, the NHFN aims to establish standardized care protocols, educational programs, and resources nationwide.
Empowering patients and families through education and involvement is a key focus of the NHFN, as many HF patients in the Philippines face challenges due to lack of awareness, limited access to care, and financial constraints. By educating patients and their families, the network aims to create active partners in long-term disease management.
Embracing technology and innovation is vital in modern healthcare, and the NHFN is leveraging advancements such as telemedicine, mobile health apps, and remote monitoring to provide consistent support to HF patients. By integrating digital tools and AI-driven diagnostics, the network aims to predict complications and prevent emergencies proactively.
Collaboration between government agencies, private institutions, NGOs, and the public is essential in the fight against HF, according to Dr. Orlando Bugarin, co-director of the PHA National Heart Failure Network. The network serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of collective action in building a healthcare system that prioritizes prevention, patient empowerment, and accessibility.
Who is Prof. David Sim?
Prof. David Sim, a leading cardiologist in Singapore, brings extensive expertise in HF management, clinical research, and heart transplantation to the NHFN. His leadership in heart failure programs and initiatives underscores the importance of a collaborative and proactive approach to addressing HF and improving outcomes for patients.
Currently, he is the director of Clinical and Translational Research at NHCS. He had served as president of the Heart Failure Society of Singapore; and has been an advisor to the Hong Kong Heart Failure Society since 2021.
