Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR)

The Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR) had its beginnings in 1981 in Badagry, Nigeria. PASCAR is an organisation of physicians from across Africa involved in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and is concerned by the lack of progress in the diagnosis and effective treatment of cardiovascular disease across Africa.

Africa does offer some unique challenges but, with sound and achievable objectives and a long-term vision, a positive impact on the disease can be made. The PASCAR Governing Council focuses on identifying key issues, brainstorming novel solutions and designing appropriate programs to combat cardiovascular disease on the continent.

PASCAR forms working relationships with other organizations and departments in Africa with similar mandates and focuses. To understand the unique challenges faced in Africa, a core group of committed individuals with extraordinary knowledge of the African cardiovascular environment has been assembled in regional structures within a Governing Council.

History:
African cardiologists first conceived of the idea of PASCAR in the 1970s, as the focus of the World Congress of Cardiology was on Europe and North America.

In 1979, the president of the Nigerian Cardiac Society, Professor Ayodele Falase, created the Pan-African Congress of Cardiology, which would become PASCAR. Rhe first PASCAR conference was held in Badagry, Nigeria, in 1981.

Over 120 delegates from 15 different countries participated in the conference. International collaboration on this scale meant that doctors and scientists could exchange ideas, and discuss their successes, challenges and discoveries.