About Us

Preventing Rheumatic Heart Disease, Protecting Lives
PrevRHD is a dedicated initiative working to prevent Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) and reduce its devastating impact on children, young people, families, and communities in Tigray and Northern Ethiopia.We believe that no child or young person should suffer from a preventable heart condition simply because a common throat infection was not identified or treated in time. Through awareness creation, early detection, prevention, treatment support, capacity building, and strong partnerships, PrevRHD works to create a future where Rheumatic Heart Disease is prevented before it causes lifelong damage.

Who We Are

PrevRHD is a program committed to strengthening the prevention and control of Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease in Tigray and Northern Ethiopia.Rheumatic Heart Disease is a serious but largely preventable condition that can develop following Rheumatic Fever, which may occur after an untreated or inadequately treated infection caused by Group A Streptococcus. Although prevention is possible, many children and young people remain at risk because of limited awareness, delayed diagnosis, challenges in accessing healthcare, and interruptions in long-term care.PrevRHD works with communities, healthcare professionals, schools, health facilities, government institutions, and development partners to address these challenges and promote a comprehensive approach to prevention and care.

Our Vision

A future where children, young people, and communities in Tigray and Northern Ethiopia are protected from preventable Rheumatic Heart Disease and have access to timely, effective, and sustainable healthcare.

Our Mission

To reduce the burden of Rheumatic Heart Disease through prevention, early detection, awareness creation, improved access to treatment, healthcare worker capacity building, community engagement, and strong partnerships.

Why Rheumatic Heart Disease Prevention Matters

Rheumatic Heart Disease can cause permanent damage to the heart valves and may lead to serious complications, disability, and premature death. Yet the disease is largely preventable.Early recognition and appropriate treatment of streptococcal throat infections can help prevent Acute Rheumatic Fever. For people who have already experienced Rheumatic Fever or are living with Rheumatic Heart Disease, regular follow-up and secondary prevention can help reduce further complications.Prevention therefore requires action at multiple levels—from families and schools to health facilities and the wider health system.Through PrevRHD, we work to ensure that communities understand the importance of early treatment, healthcare workers have access to relevant knowledge and skills, and people affected by the disease receive the support and follow-up they need.

What We Do

Community Awareness and Education

We raise awareness of Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease through community education, schools, health sessions, and outreach. We help families understand sore throat prevention, early healthcare seeking, and the importance of continued treatment and follow-up.

Prevention and Early Detection

Early action can save lives and prevent heart damage. PrevRHD promotes timely healthcare seeking, early diagnosis, screening, referral, and follow-up for people at risk of Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease.

Strengthening Healthcare Capacity

Healthcare professionals play a critical role in preventing and managing Rheumatic Heart Disease. PrevRHD supports training and capacity-building for healthcare workers to strengthen knowledge and improve prevention and care practices.

School and Youth Engagement

We raise awareness of Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease through community education, schools, health sessions, and outreach activities. We help families understand sore throat prevention, early healthcare seeking, and the importance of continued treatment and follow-up.

Supporting Long-Term Care and Follow-Up

For people living with Rheumatic Fever or Rheumatic Heart Disease, continued care is essential. PrevRHD promotes treatment adherence, regular follow-up, and secondary prevention to reduce recurrent episodes and prevent further heart damage.

Collaboration and Advocacy

The fight against Rheumatic Heart Disease requires collective action. PrevRHD brings together healthcare institutions, government bodies, communities, academic institutions, and development partners to strengthen prevention efforts and support sustainable solutions for Tigray and Northern Ethiopia.

Our Approach

Our approach is built around the belief that prevention works best when healthcare systems and communities work together. We focus on:

Prevention: Promoting awareness and timely treatment of conditions that can lead to Rheumatic Fever.
Early Detection: Encouraging early identification, screening, referral, and appropriate care.
Education: Increasing knowledge among communities, students, families, and healthcare workers.
Capacity Building: Strengthening the skills and knowledge of healthcare providers and frontline workers.
Partnership: Working with institutions and organizations that share the goal of reducing the burden of RHD.
Community Engagement: Involving communities in creating sustainable solutions that respond to local needs.

Our Partners and Collaboration

Preventing Rheumatic Heart Disease requires strong collaboration across communities, healthcare institutions, universities, and international partners. PrevRHD is proud to work in partnership with organizations and institutions that share a common commitment to improving health and preventing Rheumatic Heart Disease in Tigray and Northern Ethiopia.Our partners bring together local knowledge, healthcare expertise, academic capacity, international experience, and long-term commitment to strengthen the prevention and management of Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease.