Namibian Minister of Health Dr Bernard Haifiku and paediatric cardiologist Dr Chris Hugo-Hamman have been interviewed by the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation for a feature on rheumatic heart disease.

In the interview Dr Haifiku emphasises that efforts to tackle RHD must have a ‘measurable impact’, while Dr Hugo-Hamman addresses the consequences of untreated RHD, stating: ‘most people who contract this disease end up requiring heart surgery at some stage in their life, either with the repair of these damaged valves, or in some cases the replacement of the valve’.

The news feature also draws attention to ongoing research into the role of genetics in rheumatic fever and RHD.  

The interview is featured on the PASCAR (Pan-African Society of Cardiology) website, and is available here.

Further information on RHD activities taking place in Namibia are as follows:
Rheumatic heart disease in Namibia
National Advisory Committee for Prevention and Control of Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease in Namibia
Namibia National Advisory Committee