Table 3.

Summarized aims of global efforts in the fight against RHD, and key charges from the 2018 WHA resolution to member states. Abbreviations: RHD, rheumatic heart disease; WHO, World Health Organization; WHF, World Heart Federation; WHA, World Health Assembly.

(Ambitious) Aims of Global Efforts in the Fight against RHD
• Developing a collaborative agenda to address the key health impacts of RHD worldwide (premature morbidity and mortality, maternal deaths) • Improving access to basic healthcare, from prophylaxis to more advanced therapies • Sensitizing stakeholders and the political sector on the importance of RHD and the need for reducing its burden, especially in the hardest hit regions • Developing position statements, guidelines, and calls-to-action focused on RHD • Including RHD as a priority in the world agenda, establishing action plans and goals led by international organizations such as the WHO, WHF, and key cardiovascular societies
Key Charges from the 2018 WHA Resolution to Member States [47,224,225]
• Accelerate multisectoral efforts to improve socioeconomic determinants of RHD • Estimate the burden of disease and implement multisectoral RHD programs • Improve access to primary health care, including RHD prevention and control • Ensure access to cost-effective essential laboratory technologies and medicines for RHD • Strengthen national and international cooperation to address RHD.