RHD Action
RHD Action is the name given to the global movement to reduce the burden of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in vulnerable populations of all ages throughout the world. Initiated in September 2014 under the auspices of the UN Every Woman Every Child (EWEC) commitment, this movement will add to ongoing global efforts contributing to the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Heart Federation (WHF) goals to reduce premature mortality by the year 2025. The driving force behind this global movement is the RHD Action founding partners – a coalition of three global organizations – Medtronic Foundation, the World Heart Federation and RhEACH – working together toward the shared goal of ending RHD. Critically reinforcing this global movement are the RHD Action Countries – a cohort of countries wherein government and partner institutions are actively engaged in achieving specific RHD targets within their geographies, while also strengthening their health systems.
RHD Action Founding Partners
The founding partners of RHD Action include Medtronic Foundation, the World Heart Federation and RhEACH. The RHD Action founding partners are leading the global movement to reduce premature mortality from RHD and contributing to both the WHO 25X25 goal and the WHF 25x25<25 goal. The three organizations will work together to establish a scientific and technical support community available to all countries, draw on this technical knowledge to advocate for policy change for better heart health, support and empower all people living with RHD and to foster multi-sectoral partnerships to support and sustain the global movement. Together, they are committed to work at local, national and global levels to end death and disability from this preventable disease in the world’s most vulnerable communities.
World Heart Federation
Founded in 1946, the World Heart Federation is the world's only global body dedicated to leading the fight against heart disease and stroke. We do this by uniting a community of 200+ member organizations from 100+ countries, who are all dedicated to the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the world's leading cause of death, claiming more than 17.3 million lives per year - more than cancer, HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.
Medtronic Foundation
Medtronic Foundation focuses on expanding access to quality chronic disease care among underserved populations worldwide, in addition to supporting health initiatives in communities where Medtronic employees live and give.
RhEACH
RhEACH is a technical support and policy translation initiative to amplify rheumatic heart disease control efforts locally, regionally and globally. We aim to identify, describe and disseminate solutions for this neglected disease and to reduce burden on vulnerable populations around the world. As a collaborative organization, we partner with a broad range of stakeholders – including clinicians, other disease communities, academics, funders, governments, industry and people living with RHD – to achieve our common goals.