R

heumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a life-threatening condition affecting 40 million people worldwide, claiming over 300,000 lives annually. Survivors face prolonged illness and suffering.

RHD results from heart valve damage caused by rheumatic fever, a reaction to a streptococcal throat infection. It remains the leading cause of acquired heart disease among children and young adults in low- and middle-income countries. Most cases occur in childhood and can lead to death or lifelong disability.

It is the most common form of acquired heart disease in people under 25, with many not surviving beyond 40. Girls and young women are at double the risk and it is the leading cause of maternal cardiac complications in pregnancy. While some progress has been made in primary care, its efficacy remains inadequate, with surgery as the only definitive treatment. In most low- and middle-income countries, where RHD is common, access to surgery is extremely limited, leaving the majority of cases untreated due to a lack of funds and necessary expertise.