World Heart Federation Position Statement Published Online In Nature Reviews Cardiology

Date: Apr-11-2013The World Heart Federation has published a new position statement outlining the five key strategic targets required to meet its strategic goal for rheumatic heart disease (RHD) - a 25% reduction in premature deaths from rheumatic fever (RF) and RHD among individuals aged  Neglect of RF and RHD - there is a relative lack of engagement in disease control by governments, civil society, patient advocates and funding agencies.
   Scarcity of data and scientific knowledge - Contemporary data is scarce. The current global figure for RHD mortality is speculative and likely to be a gross underestimate. But, descriptive and prognostic epidemiological data outlining disease prevalence, mortality and morbidity are critical for developing realistic targets and key performance indicators towards disease control.
   Research - Global research priorities for RF and RHD have been identified but there is a great need for resource allocation to conduct robust research into these priorities.
   Vaccines - a GAS vaccine is required for effective population-level primary prevention of RF is needed. GAS vaccine development and human testing has been underway for nearly a century with fluctuating enthusiasm. Few pharmaceutical companies have active internal programmes.
   Access to health care - Barriers exist to optimal primary, secondary and tertiary (medical and surgical care). Many patients around the world do not have access to the treatments they need at all stages of management.

The primary aim of this position paper is to serve as a guide on how to achieve the objective of controlling RHD and eliminating RF. Five strategic targets have been identified:
   Comprehensive register-based control programmes
   Global access to benzathine penicillin G
   Identification and development of public figures as 'RHD champions'
   Expansion of RHD training hubs
   Support for vaccine development

Moreover, this document is intended to provide the foundation for governments, civil society, patient advocates, clinicians, researchers and funding agencies to develop partnerships and unify global efforts to control RF and RHD.
Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.