Implementation of cost-effective and community-based strategies for prevention and control of rheumatic heart disease
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is one of the most important sequela of acute rheumatic fever (RF) associated with disabilities that result in substantial reductions of life expectancy and produce economic burdens for society. Although the disease has been almost eradicated from developed nations, it remains a major public health concern in developing nations, where it causes most of the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in young people. Different challenges (viz. improvement in the uptake of proven RHD control strategies around the world; availability of cost-effective screening methods to identify people with RHD earlier; improvement in the treatment modalities of RHD; and promoting an effective primary prevention strategy) have been identified for the prevention and control of the disease. Considering the limitations associated with bringing about socioeconomic improvements and the poor cost-effectiveness of systematic screening and treatment of sore throats, secondary prophylaxis remains the mainstay of RF/RHD management. Different strategies have been recommended for health professionals, administrators and policy makers towards reducing the prevalence of RF/RHD. Primary prevention of rheumatic fever and screening for rheumatic heart disease with echocardiography has the immense potential to reduce the prevalence of severe rheumatic heart disease. Establishing strong linkages between clinicians and public health infrastructure with adequate international funding, RF and RHD can be easily controlled.
Keywords
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
August 28, 2013
Submission Date
December 12, 2015
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2013 Volume: 11 Number: 2