Empowering Communities, Advancing Knowledge

This guideline, published in 2024 by the WHO, provides evidence-informed recommendations for selected topics relating to RF and RHD.

Founded in 2013, Reach has evolved in response to the growing global awareness and advocacy efforts targeting rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Originally dedicated to providing technical advice, research, and support, Reach has become a key organisation in guiding global efforts in RHD prevention and control.

This document provides policymakers with a list of ‘best buys’ and other recommended interventions to address noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Interventions are assessed for cost effectiveness, feasibility, as well as non-financial considerations. Interventions assessed for cost-effectiveness are listed under risk factors and disease areas. In 2024 under the cardiovascular disease area two specific recommendations were made in relation to RF and RHD: Primary prevention of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart diseases by increasing appropriate treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis at the primary care level Secondary prevention of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease by developing a register of patients who receive regular prophylactic penicillin

Developed by Reach partner Global ARCH and Children’s Heartlink this toolkit offers practical advice on how to carry out effective advocacy in your community. The toolkit was developed for individuals and organisations with a specific focus on congenital and rheumatic heart disease.

Professor Andrew Steer of Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Australia, speaks to Dr Norman Swan about the genetics of rheumatic heart disease and vaccine prevention.

Despite considerable clinical need BPG has been the subject of widespread global shortages in recent years. This report highlights the key issues and describes the steps that are needed for it to be made safe and available to the vulnerable populations who need it most.

Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2024 this study by Ruan et al highlights some of the marked epidemiological differences in RHD burden between regions and offers some insights into how some countries are successfully managed adverse outcomes from RHD.

This study estimated the global disease prevalence of and mortality due to rheumatic heart disease over a 25-year period.

A comprehensive clinical guideline originally published in 2020 and updated again in 2022. The Australian Guideline includes standards, recommendations, and guidance for clinical care and is aligned

The RHD Action Report highlights the key achievements of RHDA partners over a five- year period. It highlights some of the significant work that has been carried out to address RHD globally and the po

This second edition of Tools for Implementing RHD Control Programmes (TIPs) provides a platform for RHD control programmes in low resource settings. Primarily it is written for people on the frontline of disease control decisions – programme managers and policy makers.

The updated echocardiographic guidelines were launched at the inaugural RHD Congress in Abu Dhabi in November 2023. This resource is appropriate for use by clinicians and researchers in RHD-endemic settings.

This factsheet discusses the link between streptococcal skin infection and rheumatic fever, as well as prevention strategies.

At the 71st World Health Assembly in 2018, the first official resolution on rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, detailing actions for Member States and international stakeholder to take. A report on implementation of this resolution is expected at the 74th World Health Assembly.

In this advisory, the American Heart Association addresses concerns around adverse events following the administration of benzathine penicillin G among patients with severe rheumatic heart disease.

Rheumatic heart disease is preventable, and we should work hard to prevent it at all costs" - Samuel Phiri from Lusaka, Zambia details his story of living with rheumatic heart disease and the impacts of stigma.

Cape Town hosts 4th Annual Listen to My Heart Patient Event for people living with rheumatic heart disease.

Dr Renae Stafford of the Touch Foundation outlines the importance of education and advocacy in raising awareness of the link of sore throats, rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Tanzania.