Launched in September 2015, RHD Action (RHDA) is a coalition to combat the burden Rheumatic Heart Disease by elevating the profile of RHD elevating RHD on the global agenda through advocacy, technical tools and rigor, and scientific evidence and by supporting countries on health systems strengthening efforts to reduce premature mortality from the disease. RHD disproportionately affects women, children and adolescents. RHDA works in ten priority areas, and people and communities living with RHD are at the heart of this work. Founding partners of this coalition include Medtronic Foundation, World Heart Federation and Reach with demonstration in Uganda and Tanzania.
Some notable achievements to date:
- A global resolution on Rheumatic Fever (RF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) adopted by WHO member states during the 71st World Health Assembly (WHA 71) in May 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Ongoing consultation and support to WHO HQ and regions in the development and execution of a global strategic plan for RHD/RF.
- Significant contribution to the establishment and endorsement of the RHD/RF framework for WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO).
- Situational assessment of RHD/RF using the Rapid Situation Assessment tools to guide prioritization of activities in selected countries.
- Findings from demonstration projects Uganda and Tanzania revealed the importance for task shifting and allow low cadres of frontline workers to alleviate workforce challenges and enable widespread detection, diagnosis of the disease.
- The Small Grant programs dispersed funds to 13 countries to support projects ranging from building capacity of the healthcare workforce to initiatives empowering patients to manage their conditions
- Representation of patients increased at national and global forumsAbstracts and manuscripts published including evidence confirming disproportional impact of RHD in pregnant women.
Raising the profile of RHD globally
- Rapport with WHO HQ and several Regional Offices strengthened in support of the development and implementation of WHO RHD/RF strategic plans.
- RHDA has established agreements with several countries - Kenya, Philippines, Vanuatu, Uganda - to carry out prevention and control plans.
- An MoU has been signed with the American Heart Association (AHA) to cooperate on RF/RHD activities.
- RHDA Impact in demonstration countries (Uganda and Tanzania)
o 929 health workers trained
o 1553 patients supported/ improved
o > 2000 patients enrolled in RHD register (Uganda only) - Impact of Small Grants Program:
o 591 PLWRHD
o 12149 School Based: Children, Teachers, Parents
o 320 Front Line Health workers
o 414 Doctors, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals
Health workers
- RHDA Small Grants Program was established to support activities around the world that would lead to improvements in care for, or would empower, people living with RHD. Launched in 2017, these grants have supported numerous activities such as the establishment of RHD clinics, the training of frontline health workers, awareness raising of RHD in refugee settlements, and the empowerment of adolescents through leadership and skills building. 13 projects have supported to date, worldwide a total of 591 PLW RHD have been directly engaged; 12,159 children, teachers, and parents have been reached through school based activities; 320 front line health workers have received training.
