World Heart Advocacy Award for International Patient Organisation Leader

The award was announced at the World Heart Federation’s World Congress of Cardiology in Brazil on 8 October. It recognises an individual who has made a notable contribution to strengthening advocacy for cardiovascular health at local, regional and global level. It also recognises a career defined by sustained leadership, collaboration and a commitment to strengthening the role of people with lived experience in shaping cardiovascular health.

Johnson’s career has taken cardiovascular advocacy from community-based action in the West of Ireland to a global patient movement reaching more than 28 million people worldwide. He has made a lasting contribution to prevention, rehabilitation, health promotion, patient advocacy and healthcare innovation. Johnson’s work has consistently focused on improving cardiovascular health and ensuring that the voices of people living with or affected by cardiovascular disease are heard.

For over 32 years, he served as Chief Executive of the Irish heart and stroke charity Croí, where his work helped advance cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation, health promotion and patient advocacy. In 2014, he established the Irish National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC), a not-for-profit research and education institute, established in collaboration with the University of Galway.

In 2019, Johnson founded Global Heart Hub, the first global alliance of heart patient organisations, which has grown into a global community of almost 170 cardiovascular patient organisations across 44 countries, with a combined community reach of more than 28.7 million people. The network brings cardiovascular patient organisations together to strengthen the collective voice and leadership of people living with and affected by cardiovascular disease.

Professor David A Wood, Former President of the World Heart Federation; Honorary Professor of Preventive Cardiology, University of Galway; Director of Science, Strategy and Implementation at the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health, said:

“Neil leads with conviction because he is passionate about prevention of cardiovascular disease and, through his creation of the Global Heart Hub, he has become a leading international advocate.”

Accepting the award, Johnson said:

“I am deeply honoured to receive this award from the World Heart Federation and to have this work in cardiovascular advocacy recognised in such a way. I am incredibly proud of what the Croí, NIPC and Global Heart Hub teams have achieved. Our vision is to continue building a stronger, more united voice for people with lived experience of cardiovascular disease, ensuring that they are recognised as equal stakeholders in healthcare and that their insights and knowledge play a meaningful role in research, shaping healthcare policies, and the development of healthcare systems. This award is both an honour and a motivation to keep pushing for change.”