Medtronic Philanthropy, RhEACH and the World Heart Federation (WHF) announce the formation of RHD Action Alliance, a coalition of global partners united to end rheumatic heart disease.

Launched in September 2014, at an event in New York hosted by United Nations' Secretary General Ban Ki-moon while celebrating the success of Every Woman Every Child, this five-year, $6 million (USD) Medtronic Philanthropy commitment will support a global movement to end premature mortality resulting from rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). WHF will serve as the Global Policy Partner, leading efforts to influence and inform policy decisions related to RHD. RhEACH will serve as a Global Technical Partner and scientific hub, leading clinical and public health strategies to control RHD. Both organizations will provide policy and technical assistance to all countries where RHD is prevalent. Medtronic Philanthropy will lead the engagement of the private sector in the RHD dialogue. Over the next five years, funding at country levels will support efforts to integrate RHD interventions into primary care facilities, while leveraging existing efforts focused on maternal and newborn care and HIV. Uganda and Tanzania are two country programs that have been funded under this umbrella. All interventions will be implemented with the goal of strengthening the entire health system, including the training of community healthcare workers who will be the link between patients and providers.

Medtronic Philanthropy hopes that RHD Action Alliance will spark an enduring global movement among the RHD community that will go far beyond the scope of this five year commitment.