African cardiologists first conceived of the idea of PASCAR in the 1970s, as the focus of the World Congress of Cardiology drew attention to the growing burden of cardiovascular disease on the continent. The vision was clear: Africa needed its own platform for cardiovascular medicine, research and education.
The first PASCAR conference was held in Badagry, Nigeria, in 1981. Over 120 delegates from 15 different countries attended, laying the foundation for what would become the leading cardiovascular society on the African continent. Today PASCAR unites cardiologists from across Africa and serves as the continent's premier voice in global cardiovascular medicine.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) envisions a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimise the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. As the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health, the ACC provides professional medical education, fosters appropriate use of technologies and standards, and advocates for policies that promote cardiovascular health.
The ACC's collaboration with africaSTEMI reflects its commitment to advancing cardiovascular care globally, supporting education and capacity building across Africa through shared resources, guidelines and expertise.
FICCS is a global coalition uniting cardiovascular and critical care societies to advance education, training and research across borders. The Foundation fosters collaboration between national and international cardiovascular organisations to raise the standard of cardiac care worldwide, with particular emphasis on under-resourced regions.
Through joint scientific programmes, shared educational resources and cross-society partnerships, FICCS supports initiatives such as africaSTEMI Live! to extend high-quality cardiovascular knowledge and skills to clinicians working in diverse and challenging environments.
The Global Cardiovascular Collaborative unites cardiovascular non-profits and stakeholders worldwide to strengthen cardiovascular care in underserved regions. By combining our expertise, resources, and advocacy efforts, we partner with healthcare systems in resource-limited settings to develop sustainable, locally-driven solutions that serve vulnerable populations.
Founded in 1981, the Kenya Cardiac Society (KCS) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing cardiovascular health and medical education in Kenya. As the host country society for africaSTEMI Live! 2026, the KCS plays a central role in supporting the congress and connecting the global cardiovascular community with Kenya's growing cardiac care ecosystem.
The KCS brings together cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, nurses and allied health professionals to promote excellence in cardiac care, advance research and strengthen cardiovascular health systems across Kenya and the region.