"RHD is 100% preventable. It's disappeared from high-income countries and it's time that we do something about it to make sure this happens in low- and middle-income countries as well."
– Prof Liesl Zühlke, Vice-President of the South African Medical Research Council, on why rheumatic heart disease (RHD) must become a global health priority, the challenges we face, and her message to policymakers.
RHD is a condition which affects up to 50 million people worldwide and claims up to 350,000 lives every year. It most commonly occurs in childhood and can lead to death or life-long disability.
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The World Heart Federation (WHF) unites the cardiovascular community and drives the agenda to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease and help people live longer, healthier lives. Together with our Members, we are working to end needless deaths and build global commitment for improved cardiovascular health at the global, regional, national and community levels. We believe in a world where heart health for everyone is a fundamental human right.
➡️WEBSITE: www.worldheart.org
➡️TWITTER: @worldheartfed
➡️FACEBOOK: World Heart
➡️LINKEDIN: World Heart Federation
