Rheumatic Heart Disease Awareness Forum for Teachers and School Health Professionals

The PrevRHD Program conducted a rheumatic heart disease awareness forum for teachers and school health professionals representing various schools in Mekelle, with a focus on strengthening the role of schools in the prevention, early identification, and control of rheumatic heart disease (RHD).

The forum emphasized that schools are an important setting for preventing rheumatic fever and RHD, as teachers and school nurses are often among the first people to notice when students develop persistent sore throat, tonsillitis, fever, fatigue, or other concerning symptoms.

Focus on Prevention and Early Identification

Participants were provided with practical information on the link between throat infections, acute rheumatic fever, and rheumatic heart disease. The training emphasized the importance of recognizing students with suspected tonsillitis or other throat infections and ensuring that they receive timely medical evaluation and appropriate treatment.

School health professionals and teachers were also encouraged to take appropriate measures when students show symptoms of infectious throat illness, including temporarily separating or appropriately managing symptomatic students from close contact with other students, in accordance with school and health guidance, while ensuring that the affected child receives proper medical attention.

The forum further highlighted the role of school personnel in identifying students who may have warning signs suggestive of heart disease, ensuring that concerns are communicated promptly to parents or guardians and referred to appropriate health facilities for further assessment.

Building a School-Based Prevention System

A major objective of the forum was to strengthen collaboration between teachers, school nurses, parents, and health professionals. Participants discussed how schools can contribute to preventing RHD by creating an environment where students with symptoms are identified early, families are informed promptly, and children receive appropriate care without unnecessary delays.

The training also included guidance on health awareness creation, equipping teachers and school health professionals with approaches for communicating RHD prevention messages to students in simple, understandable, and engaging ways. Participants were encouraged to use classroom discussions, school health clubs, information sessions, and other educational activities to promote awareness.

Overall, the forum sought to establish schools as important partners in the fight against rheumatic heart disease by strengthening prevention, early identification, referral, health education, and student safety. Through better-informed teachers and school health professionals, the PrevRHD Program aims to ensure that potential cases are recognized early and that preventable heart damage is avoided.