Adriana Carluccio Hasher

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. The disease predominantly affects children and young adults and is caused by an autoimmune reaction to a streptococcal infection. RHD can lead to heart failure, valve damage, and other complications.

In Africa, RHD is a significant public health problem, with an estimated 30 million people affected by the disease. This is partly due to the high incidence of streptococcal infections in African communities, especially among children. The lack of access to health care services and antibiotics to treat these infections further exacerbates the problem.

The Open Heart organization is one of the many groups working to address the burden of RHD in African children. Open Heart provides free cardiac surgery and medical treatment to children with RHD in Africa. The organization also conducts awareness campaigns to promote prevention and early detection of the disease.

In a video titled “Rheumatic Heart Disease in African Children,” Open Heart highlights the experiences of children affected by RHD and the impact of the organization’s work. The video features interviews with medical professionals, patients, and their families, shedding light on the challenges faced by those living with RHD and the importance of early intervention.

The video also showcases the success stories of children who have undergone treatment through Open Heart, demonstrating the positive impact of access to healthcare services and proper medical intervention.

Rheumatic heart disease is a preventable and treatable disease. However, the lack of resources and access to healthcare services in many African communities makes it difficult to effectively address the problem. Organizations like Open Heart play a crucial role in providing life-saving medical care to those who need it most.

It is important to raise awareness about the impact of RHD in African communities and support organizations like Open Heart that are working to address this issue. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children affected by RHD in Africa.