RHD Overview

Over 40 million people around the world suffer from Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), a preventable and treatable form of cardiovascular disease that claims 300,000 lives each year. Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and RHD largely affects disadvantaged populations. It affects the world’s poorest, most vulnerable populations and imposes heavy costs on the health system that can least afford it. It is the most commonly acquired heart disease in young people under the age 25 and it often begins in early childhood as strep throat.

In 2018, member states of the World Health Organization unanimously adopted a Global Resolution, to recognize Rheumatic Fever and RHD as a global health priority. This commitment is reflected in the National Strategic Plan and Annual Operational Plan of Fiji’s Ministry of Health & Medical Services.  People who die from RHD are mostly found in low and middle income countries (such as Fiji). Their deaths are preventable as the necessary medical knowledge and antibiotics to treat RHD has existed for more than half a century. Crowding in household and poverty are associated with an increased risk of developing ARF. The number of ARF cases in the pacific is amongst the highest in the world and predominantly affects children aged 5 to 15 years. If left untreated, Rheumatic Heart Disease can lead to heart valve damage, stroke, heart failure and death. The prevalence of this preventable illness is a clear indicator of the inequalities and limitations of the healthcare systems in endemic countries.