UNITED TO #ENDRHD
World Congress On Rheumatic Heart Disease
United to #EndRHD
World Congress on Rheumatic Heart Disease 2026
From 11–14 November 2026 in Perth, Australia, the global rheumatic heart disease community will come together to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration and advance action to end RHD worldwide.
About the Congress
A global platform to help end rheumatic heart disease
The World Congress on Rheumatic Heart Disease, hosted by the World Heart Federation in partnership with other leading organisations in the field, brings together global experts on rheumatic heart disease (RHD), including researchers, practitioners, patients and advocates, to discover the latest research, engage with global leaders, and explore practical and effective solutions to ending rheumatic heart disease once and for all.
Virtually eradicated in large parts of the world, RHD continues to have a devastating impact on vulnerable communities in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, South and South-East Asia and the Western Pacific, affecting an estimated 55 million people and claiming more than 360,000 lives every year.
Following the inaugural Congress in 2023, the second edition will take place from 11–14 November 2026 in Perth, Australia, co-organised by the World Heart Federation and the National Heart Foundation of Australia. The Congress will highlight both the global burden of RHD—particularly in low- and middle-income countries—and the national context in Australia, where the disease disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Why it matters
Keeping RHD on the global agenda
The Congress provides an important opportunity to bring together the global RHD community around a disease that remains a major and preventable cause of illness and death in many parts of the world.
By connecting research, policy, lived experience and practice, the Congress supports stronger collaboration and sustained momentum toward ending rheumatic heart disease.
Estimated burden: 55 million people living with RHD worldwide
Estimated deaths each year: more than 360,000
What to expect
A diverse and engaging programme
The programme will feature a diverse and engaging scientific agenda, fostering inclusive global dialogue and collaboration across the RHD field.
- Latest research and scientific exchange
- Engagement with global leaders and experts
- Opportunities for abstract submissions
- Travel grants to support broader participation
- Collaboration across research, practice, advocacy and lived experience
Learn more about the Congress leadership and organisation
For further information about the Congress organisers and committee structure, please visit the official Congress website.
