Who we are

The Belgian Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (BACH) is a multidisciplinary alliance of healthcare professionals, patient organisations, researchers, and industry partners committed to tackling the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Belgium and  promoting cardiovascular health as a national policy priority.

Formed at the end of 2023, BACH was created in response to alarming health trends and in alignment with Belgium’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s Sustainable Development Goals (Target 3.4). Together, we strive towards this shared goal of reducing premature deaths from cardiovascular diseases in Belgium by 30% by 2030.

Partnership with EACH

As the Belgian counterpart to the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH), BACH ensures Belgium plays a leading role in shaping European cardiovascular health policies. 

Visit the EACH website

How we work

BACH was founded in 2023 in response to the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases in Belgium and the urgent need for coordinated action across policy levels. Since its inception, BACH has rapidly positioned itself as a key stakeholder in the fight against CVD.

Since our creation in 2023, we have

  • Brought together leading experts, healthcare professionals, patient groups and industry partners to form a united front against cardiovascular diseases.
     
  • Developed evidence-based strategies to reduce premature cardiovascular deaths by 30% by 2030.
     
  • Engaged directly with policymakers, both one-on-one and during advocacy sessions in November 2023 and March 2024 (during the Belgian EU Presidency), and a parliamentary screening event in April 2024. With these actions, we have always aimed to secure cross-party support for our proposals.
     
  • Established a strong partnership with EACH (the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health), ensuring that Belgium’s efforts are aligned with broader European health policy ambitions.

The Belgian Alliance for Cardiovascular Health operates on a number of guiding principles

  • Expertise and scientific evidence: Any statements and policy recommendations made by BACH are based on thorough research, facts, and best evidence.
  • Transparency: Transparency among all participants is the key guiding principle for the functioning of the alliance. All members are informed and involved in decision-making in the same way.
  • Inclusiveness: BACH welcomes all organisations which fulfil the partnership criteria.

Our Network

BACH unites various Belgian healthcare professionals, health organisations, and partners around a shared goal of tackling the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Belgium.

  • Antoine Bondue (Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles - Hôpital Erasme - ULB, Belgian Heart League)
  • Jelle Demeestere (UZ Leuven, Belgian Stroke Council)
  • Fabian Demeure (CHU UCL Namur, Belgian Atherosclerosis Society)
  • Paul Dendale (Jessa Ziekenhuis, European Association of Preventive Cardiology, Belgian Working Group of Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Prevention)
  • Tine De Backer (UZ Gent, Belgian Hypertension Committee)
  • Sofie De Blauwe (AZ Sint-Jan, Belgian Stroke Council)
  • Michel De Pauw (UZ Gent, Belgian Society of Cardiology)
  • Bernhard Gerber (Saint-Luc UCLouvain, Belgian Society of Cardiology)
  • Noémie Ligot (Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles - Hôpital Erasme - ULB, Belgian Stroke Council)
  • Benoit Mores (Mutualités Libres / Onafhankelijke Ziekenfondsen)
  • Ernst Rietzschel (UGent, Belgian Atherosclerosis Society)
  • Muriel Sprynger (CHU de Liège, Belgian Working Group on Angiology)
  • Stefan Teughels (Domus Medica)
  • Peter Vanacker (AZ Groeninge, Belgian Stroke Council)
  • Rik Vanhoof (Belgian Heart League)
  • Philippe van de Borne (ULB, Belgian Working Group on Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, Belgian Hypertension Committee)
  • Rik Willems (UZ Leuven, Belgian Society of Cardiology)
  • François Jouret (Belgian Society of Nephrology)
  • Marleen Haems (Vlaams Apothekers Netwerk)
  • Charlotte Verrue (Vlaams Apothekers Netwerk)
  • Eva Goossens (Belgian Working Group on Cardiovascular Nursing)
  • Hendrik De Rocker (Algemene Pharmaceutische Bond)
  • Nicolas Echement (Algemene Pharmaceutische Bond)
  • Amgen
  • AstraZeneca
  • Boehringer Ingelheim
  • Bristol Myers Squibb
  • Daiichi Sankyo Belgium
  • Edwards Lifesciences
  • Eli Lilly
  • MSD Belgium
  • Novartis
  • Novo Nordisk
  • Servier
  • Sanofi Belgium
BACH launch

Contact BACH via our secretariat

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