In January 2015 representatives from the World Heart Federation made an intervention at the 136th Executive Board of the World Heart Federation. In response to agenda item 7.3 on Adolescent Health, the World Heart Federation tabled a powerfully worded statement:

“Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) starts in childhood and, if not systematically controlled through basic primary care, progresses into adolescence. Having been almost eliminated in populations with acceptable living conditions and primary health care, rheumatic heart disease continues to kill and disable adolescents from the world’s poorest, most marginalized populations. A preventable disease, it signals a stark denial of the right to the highest attainable standard of health.” Read the full statement here.