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Programme Overview

The World Congress on Rheumatic Heart Disease aims to create a dynamic platform that brings together the global RHD community, including researchers, practitioners, patients, and advocates. Our goal is to foster an open and inclusive environment that facilitates the exchange of cutting-edge research, shared knowledge, and lived experiences. Together, we will explore and develop innovative approaches for the effective prevention, treatment and management of rheumatic heart disease worldwide.

Congress Tracks

Strep A Vaccines

This track will explore progress in the development of a Strep A vaccine and how to ensure it meets the needs of at-risk communities, considering future access and availability. It will include the latest research findings and identification of research priorities.

Pathogenesis and other Biological Insights

This track will take a deep dive into the pathogenesis of RF and RHD to understand the key knowledge gaps and the potential for gene directed therapies and vaccine development.

Clinical Presentation and Contemporary Management

This track will explore research related to the clinical presentation and management of RHD.

Tertiary Care and Surgery

This track will explore best practice in the surgical management of RHD patients, including how to optimize outcomes in different settings and build capacity where surgical interventions are most needed.

Programme Steering Committee

Chair - Jagat Narula
Chair - Jagat Narula

University of Texas

USA

Vice-Chair - Liesl Zühlke
Vice-Chair - Liesl Zühlke

South African Medical Research Council

South Africa

Sulafa Ali
Sulafa Ali

Sudan Heart Center

Sudan

Jonathan Carapetis
Jonathan Carapetis

Perth Children's Hospital

Australia

Mark Engel
Mark Engel

University of Cape Town

South Africa

Thomas Gaziano
Thomas Gaziano

Brigham and Women’s Hospital

USA

Anu Gomanju
Anu Gomanju

NCDI Poverty Advocacy Fellow

Nepal

Mariell Jessup
Mariell Jessup

American Heart Association

USA

Joseph Kado
Joseph Kado

Telethon Kids

Australia

Maria do Carmo Pereira Nunes
Maria do Carmo Pereira Nunes

Hospital das Clinicas Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Brazil

Emmy Okello
Emmy Okello

Uganda Heart Institute

Uganda

Shiranee Sriskandan
Shiranee Sriskandan

Imperial College London

UK

Diana Vaca McGhie
Diana Vaca McGhie

American Heart Association

USA