Mekelle, Ethiopia – December 30, 2025 – A collaborative training program concluded on December 28, 2025, at Mekelle University, marking an essential effort to prevent Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) in Tigray. The workshop, "Training for Health Extension Workers (HEWs) on Tonsillopharyngitis, Rheumatic Fever & RHD Prevention," was organized by:
- Etiopia-Witten e.V.
- Mekelle University
- Tigray Regional Health Bureau
...under the PrevRHDIV Project.
The event bridged specialist knowledge with frontline community health, empowering HEWs as key agents of change in preventing RHD — a leading cause of acquired heart disease among the region's youth.
Session Highlights
Dr. Abraha Hailu opened the session, outlining RHD's severe local and global burden and the project's goals.
Dr. Alemseged Berhane followed with a detailed session on the chain from bacterial strep throat to acute rheumatic fever and irreversible heart damage, stressing accurate diagnosis as the first critical step.
A revealing moment came when an HEW asked:
"Why is Benzathine Penicillin G (BPG) not known or available here?"
Dr. Alemseged responded:
"The shortage is in awareness, not supply. You must now teach your colleagues and communities about this life-saving drug."
Dr. Hagos Kahsay explained the diagnosis and long-term management of established RHD, underscoring the heavy toll of the disease and the vital need for prevention.
A Personal Moment
The most emotional part of the day occurred when a female HEW shared her health struggles after pregnancy, suspected to be heart-related. Dr. Abraha offered a free immediate examination. The result was a sobering diagnosis: the dedicated health worker herself had RHD, highlighting the disease's hidden prevalence.
Prevention Protocol & New Resources
Dr. Abraha detailed the national prevention protocol, centered on regular BPG injections, and introduced a vital new resource:
- A comprehensive RHD guidebook in the Tigrigna language, designed specifically for HEWs
Call to Action
In a motivational address, Dr. Harnet Adane of the Regional Health Bureau praised the specialists' commitment and charged the HEWs with action:
"Apply this knowledge. Teach your colleagues. Educate communities on hygiene and early sore throat care. Use the Tigrigna handbook and work to end harmful traditional practices."
Conclusion
This training not only transferred crucial knowledge but also exposed a stark reality — RHD can affect anyone, even those on the front lines of care. By uniting specialists and community health workers, the project has strengthened Tigray's first line of defense against this preventable disease.
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