Marlena Broncel
The PERFECTO Closing Event “Prevent the Preventable: Advancing Screening for Inherited Lipid Disorders – Untapped Potential for the Safe Hearts Plan in Europe” will take place in Brussels, Belgium, on 27–28 April 2026, in hybrid format, bringing together policymakers, scientists, clinicians, patient representatives and public health leaders from across Europe and beyond.
The event marks the culmination of the EU4Health co-funded project PERFECTO – Preventing thE PReventable: Familial HypErCholesterolaemia paediaTric screening for cardiovascular health, which has worked to advance systematic paediatric screening for FH and strengthen prevention of cardiovascular disease across Europe.
By bringing together stakeholders from EU institutions, national health authorities, academia, civil society and patient organisations, the PERFECTO Closing Event aims to accelerate the implementation of screening programmes across Europe, ensuring that inherited lipid disorders are detected early and managed effectively—ultimately helping to prevent the preventable for millions of European citizens.
Held under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the meeting will go beyond project closure to serve as a forward-looking European policy and implementation forum. Discussions will focus on translating research findings and pilot implementation into sustainable public health practice, supporting Member States in scaling up early detection and personalised prevention strategies for inherited lipid disorders, including Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and elevated Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)].
The event will highlight key lessons learned from the PERFECTO project, including personalised communication strategies and citizen engagement models designed to increase screening uptake and trust. Particular attention will be given to the social and equity dimensions of prevention, addressing underserved populations, health literacy, and wider social determinants of health, ensuring screening and prevention programmes are inclusive, equitable, and accessible across diverse communities.
The meeting will also present the PERFECTO policy recommendations, reflecting the project’s findings on the implementation of systematic paediatric FH screening and the integration of personalised prevention approaches within European health systems.
The programme will further connect PERFECTO outcomes with related initiatives such as FH EARLY, PerMed FH, and the Lp(a) International Taskforce, showcasing innovative approaches including genetics, advanced biomarker testing, innovative chip arrays, digital health tools, and the use of health data and ethical AI in screening programmes, alongside emerging evidence on the cost-effectiveness of early detection strategies.
Participants will explore how these insights can support the priorities of the EU Safe Hearts Plan, including early detection, personalised prevention, and improved cardiovascular health outcomes, while contributing to broader efforts under the European Health Union and the EU’s non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention strategy.
The event is endorsed by leading international cardiovascular and patient organisations, including the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH), the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS), the International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS), and the Global Heart Hub (GHH).
These endorsements reflect the broad scientific, clinical and advocacy commitment to advancing early detection and prevention of cardiovascular diseases linked to FH and other inherited lipid disorders.
Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the European Union
Rue Montoyer 47
1000 Brussels, Belgium
Accommodation (invited participants only):
NH Brussels EU Berlaymont
Boulevard Charlemagne 11–19
1000 Brussels, Belgium
This event is made possible thanks to the support of the FH Europe Foundation Industry Partners. The event is a part of the PERFECTO Project, co-funded by the European Union.
If you would like to explore opportunities to be part of this impactful initiative as a sponsor, please contact: md@fheurope.org
Join us to explore key insights, results, and discussions from the PERFECTO project. Discover the agenda, speakers, and how you can take part.
Secure your spot and learn more on the event page.