Rheumatic Heart Disease is Missing from the Global Health Agenda

Wubishet Belay,Muktar H Aliyu

doi:10.5334/aogh.3426

Abstract

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a complication of untreated throat infection by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus with a high prevalence among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Despite its high incidence and prevalence, RHD prevention is not a priority in major global health discussions. The reasons for the apparent neglect are multifactorial, including underestimated morbidity and mortality burden, underappreciated economic burden, lack of public awareness, and lack of sustainable investment. In this review, we recommend multisectoral collaboration to tackle the burden of RHD by engaging the public, health experts, and policymakers; augmenting funding for clinical care; improving distribution channels for prophylaxis, and increasing research and innovation as critical interventions to save millions of people from preventable morbidity and mortality.

Highlights

Rheumatic Heart Disease is Missing from the Global Health Agenda
AliyuAnnals of Global HealthAcute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are common in children aged 5–15 years and cause multivalvular heart disease with progressive valvar dysfunction and untimely death if progression is not prevented or the lesions are not corrected by surgery [2]
The story is different in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and some developed countries, where the prevalence of RHD continues to be high, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations [2, 6,7,8]

Summary

Introduction

Rheumatic Heart Disease is Missing from the Global Health Agenda. ARF and RHD are common in children aged 5–15 years and cause multivalvular heart disease with progressive valvar dysfunction and untimely death if progression is not prevented or the lesions are not corrected by surgery [2]. Despite the high incidence and prevalence of RHD in under-resourced settings, the disease is missing from major global health discussions [9, 10].

Results

Conclusion