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World Congress on Rheumatic Heart Disease

ABU DHABI  |  2-4 NOVEMBER 2023

ADVANCING SCIENCE AND BEST PRACTICE IN THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF RHD

The World Congress on Rheumatic Heart Disease, hosted by the World Heart Federation in partnership with other leading organizations in the field, will bring together global experts on RHD, including researchers, practitioners, patients and advocates, to learn about the latest research, share key challenges and explore effective solutions to ending rheumatic heart disease once and for all.

Virtually eradicated in large parts of the world, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) continues to have a devastating impact on vulnerable communities in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, South-East Asia and the Western Pacific, affecting 40 million people and claiming more than 300,000 lives every year.

Join us in Abu Dhabi

The name Abu Dhabi means ‘Land of the Gazelle’ in Arabic. The story goes that the emirate was founded when a young antelope led a wandering tribe to fresh water on an island with no more than 300 Barasti (palm frond) huts, a few coral buildings and the Ruler’s fort. That modest island settlement has since been transformed into the modern, cosmopolitan, high-rise UAE capital city. The gorgeous archipelago offers a mix of ancient history, rich culture and heritage, stunning nature, beautiful beaches, surprising wildlife and a welcoming atmosphere.

Key Dates

30 March 2023

Abstract submissions open - Application Status is open
Abstract submissions open

6 April 2023

Early registration opens - Application Status is open
Early registration opens

30 May 2023

Abstract submissions close - Application Status is closed
Abstract submissions close

31 August 2023

Early registration closes - Application Status is closed
Early registration closes

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WITH THE SUPPORT OF

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THE BEAT OF CHANGE: RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE IN MOZAMBIQUE

Rosa's Story

Celia's Story

Resources

Lady talking

Time to End RHD: Prof Liesl Zühlke

A young child looking towards to floor

The Beat of Change: Celia’s Story

Time to #EndRHD (Animation)

Latest News

Colours to Save Heart engages community leaders in Maputo, Mozambique

Throughout the month of October, our partners in Mozambique organized a series of community outreach activities in the KaMavota neighbourhood of Maputo as part of the Colours to Save Hearts project. The goal of these activities was to raise awareness of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among community leaders and support educational activities in the local […]

Rheumatic Heart Disease

Colours to Save Hearts programme: First-Year Report

In 2019, WHF designed an easy-to-print colouring book. It is a fun, educational resource that allows children to play and learn about the links between sore throats, rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD), and the damage these can cause to heart valves. It aims to instill the right reflexes in children, their parents […]

Rheumatic Heart Disease

The Beat of Change: Celia’s Story

Rheumatic fever is a neglected disease that, if left untreated, develops into the life-threatening rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Mozambique is one of the countries with the highest rates of RHD, mostly affecting children between 5 and 15 years old. This mini documentary takes an intimate look into the experience of Celia, a young girl from […]

Rheumatic Heart Disease

Colours to Save Hearts: Raising awareness of RHD in Maputo, Mozambique

In March 2022, WHF organized a site visit to Maputo, Mozambique, as part of the Colours to Save Hearts programme. Operated by the Mozambique Institute for Health Education and Research and implemented by the National Health Institute of Mozambique (INS), Colours to Save Hearts is a WHF initiative aimed at raising awareness of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) […]

Rheumatic Heart Disease

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